MUSTANG: On-site and drone-based monitoring has begun to assess potential glacier and flood risks in the high-mountain areas of Upper Mustang. Officials said no immediate signs of risk have been detected in the areas monitored so far.
Following the Bhotekoshi flood, disaster risk assessment and preparedness efforts have been intensified in the high-mountain areas of Upper Mustang.
In coordination with the District Administration Office, Mustang, a joint team comprising personnel from the Border Out Post (BOP) Nechung of the Armed Police Force Nepal, Nepal Police, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Lomanthang, and the Conservation Area Management Committee is monitoring river sources and high-mountain areas along the Kaligandaki River system.
According to Umesh Poudel, chief of ACAP Lomanthang, two sources of the Kaligandaki River system near border pillars 18 and 19 along the Nepal-China border were inspected on-site and by drone during the first phase of monitoring. He said the team assessed snowfall conditions and potential risks in the areas and found no immediate threat.
During the second phase, the team inspected Ghyakarchhu Lake, located in the high-mountain area above Lomanthang.
Poudel said glacier formations were observed during the drone inspection of the area, which lies at an altitude of about 5,550 metres above sea level. However, he said no immediate signs of risk were detected.
He said the team plans to monitor the Kaligandaki River system in the high-mountain area above Chuama Peak in Chumjung, Lomanthang, as well as Charang in Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality-1. He said on-site inspections are being conducted after GPS data indicated the presence of glacial lakes in those areas.
Last year, the risk in the area increased after a mud-laden flood originating from Chuama Peak in Chumjung, Lomanthang, caused the Kaligandaki River system to overflow.
ACAP said regular monitoring of river sources and vulnerable areas would continue, taking into account the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods, avalanches, and floods in the high Himalayan region.
Regular monitoring and disaster preparedness activities will be strengthened in the region to identify potential hazards, provide early warnings, and ensure an effective response to disasters.
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