Kathmandu: The devastating Bhotekoshi flood of Bhadra 10 caused more than Rs. 90 million in damage to Ncell’s telecommunications infrastructure, completely destroying a mobile tower in Timure, Rasuwa, and more than 60 kilometers of optical fiber lines, according to an initial assessment by the company.

Despite extensive damage to its network infrastructure, Ncell has continued efforts to restore connectivity in disaster-affected areas while providing free voice, data and SMS services to more than 300,000 customers.

The free services were introduced in affected areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan, covering customers who had been active on Ncell’s network in those areas during the seven days preceding the flood.

Initially offered for three days, the free service was later extended by another seven days from Saturday. The total value of free voice, data and SMS services used by customers had exceeded Rs. 12 million as of Monday, Ncell said. Usage of the free services has continued to rise as network connectivity is progressively restored.

24 of 27 affected sites restored

Damage to fiber links caused by the floods and landslides affected 27 Ncell mobile sites across Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. Ncell has already restored 24 of the 27 affected sites.

Of the three remaining sites, one tower in the Ghattikhola–Timure area of Rasuwa was completely destroyed. Technical teams are working in the field to restore the other two sites—one in Trishuli, Bidur, Nuwakot, and another in Tiru, Rasuwa.

Ncell’s technical teams continue to work under challenging conditions to accelerate the repair and restoration of damaged telecommunications infrastructure.

More than 25,000 SIM cards reactivated

As part of its emergency response, Ncell has also reactivated more than 25,000 SIM cards to prevent customers from being completely disconnected during the crisis.

The company reactivated SIMs whose services had been restricted to one-way communication because customers had not topped up their balances, as well as SIMs where both outgoing and incoming services had been suspended.

The measure has helped affected customers stay connected with family and relatives, coordinate rescue and relief operations, and exchange critical information during emergencies. Reactivated customers have also been able to access Ncell’s free voice, data and SMS services.

Supporting accurate information and public awareness

In coordination with the Government of Nepal and the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Ncell is also broadcasting public awareness call tones and SMS messages to help disseminate critical information during the disaster.

The messages urge the public to verify the authenticity of bank accounts, QR codes and links before making donations to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, helping protect the public from fraudulent donation campaigns.

Ncell has also appealed to users not to post disturbing or distressing photographs and videos related to the floods and disaster on social media and other online platforms. Those who have already shared such content have been urged to remove it immediately.

Ncell said its response has focused on three key priorities: restoring damaged telecommunications infrastructure, keeping affected customers connected through free services, and supporting the dissemination of accurate and reliable information during the crisis.