Early warning helped avert disaster in Lomanthang

By Harikrishna Sharma,Muktinath (Mustang), July 10: When Nachchung Gurung, Ward Member of Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, saw a muddy flood in the Chhuhama stream around 5 pm on Tuesday, he immediately called the Rural Municipality Chairperson, Tasi Narbu Gurung.

Upon receiving the flood information, Tasi Narbu quickly informed the ward representatives and local residents in the affected areas. 

Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 1, Pema Angya Gurung, and Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 2, Karma Namgyal Gurung, alerted people living near the riverbanks to move to safer places.

As soon as Chief District Officer Bishnu Prasad Bhushal received the news of the flood in Upper Mustang, a public warning was issued for residents living near the river that joins the stream, urging them to stay alert.

Tasi Narbu said that preparations were made within minutes of receiving the alert. “Because we received the information on time, there were no human casualties. Now, we will stay more alert in high-risk areas,” he said.

According to him, five wooden bridges used by locals to cross with their livestock were also swept away. Had the warning not come in time, there could have been human loss as well. Since Mustang has very few permanent structures to protect settlements near rivers and streams, damage often occurs when water levels rise.

The riverbanks in Upper Mustang are also used as grazing areas for sheep and mountain goats. Tasi Narbu and his team have reached the affected areas to collect details of the damage.

Residents of Upper Mustang were frightened by the sudden flood, especially as the weather was clear and it had not rained. It is believed the flood came from the Tibetan side.

CDO Bhushal said early information from locals near Chumjung village helped in preparation. “We based our response on timely information. Effective communication is the first step to stay safe during disasters,” he said.

Although it is suspected that heavy rainfall near the Nepal-Tibet border caused the flood, Chinese officials on the other side have not yet confirmed any rainfall. Even without rainfall in Mustang, the sudden arrival of floodwater has raised concerns about the Kali Gandaki River, which flows through Mustang. Authorities in neighbouring districts -- Myagdi, Baglung and Parbat -- have also been alerted to stay cautious.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, it started raining around Mustang district headquarters, Jomsom and there was heavy rainfall in Thasang Rural Municipality in Lower Mustang.