Virtual Earthquake Reconnaissance Team (VERT) Summary by Patrick Bassal.
Findings Concerning Earth Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant Performance after the Gorkha Earthquake
Kulekhani Earth Dam (Approx. Lat: 27.590, Long: 85.156)
Date of Observation: 5/10/15
This article has been brought to the attention of EERI by Lisa Krain
The following article describes observations of the Kulekhani Earth Dam on May 10. It is reported that many cracks have been found in the 406-meter long crest of the dam, however, the cracks have been patched by the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) shortly after the earthquake. A rising water level due to upcoming monsoons brings a concern for the integrity of this dam. The issue of dam safety in Nepal should be strongly considered, especially as over 29 additional storage high dam projects are being planned in the country.
Nepal Earthquake Tests Dam Safety (Rhatan Bhandari)
Other Observations of Damage to Hydropower Facilities
Some articles posted in early May describe damage to various hydropower dams due to soil and rock slides induced by the earthquake. The dams listed include the Bhote Koshi Power Plant (Approx Lat: 27.913, Long: 85.924) and the Trishuli Power Plant (Approx Lat: 27.963, Long: 85.171):
Circle of Blue: Nepal Earthquake Damages At Least 14 Hydropower Dams
My Republica (Nepal News Reporter): Earthquake Damages over a Dozen Hydropower Projects
Curated topics from the April 25, 2015, Nepal Earthquake to help inform reconnaissance activities, identify impacted regions, and help document the timeline of earthquake response/recovery.
Information on geotechnical impacts—landslides and liquefaction—from the April 25, 2015, Nepal earthquake.
