Flash flood destroys 7 bridges in upper Mustang; Preliminary loss exceeds Rs 15 million

KATHMANDU: A sudden and devastating flood in Upper Mustang has swept away seven bridges—including three motorable concrete structures—causing an estimated loss of over NPR 15 million, according to initial assessments conducted by local authorities and security forces.

The preliminary damage survey was carried out on Wednesday by a joint team comprising Lomanthang Rural Municipality Chairperson Tashi Nurbu Gurung, Vice-Chairperson Chyumi Bishwakarma, Chief Administrative Officer Bikash KC, ward representatives, technical staff, Nepal Police, and the Armed Police Force. The team inspected the flood-hit areas across all five wards of the rural municipality.

According to CAO KC, the flood struck on Tuesday evening near Chumjung village in Lomanthang Ward No. 4. It completely destroyed three motorable concrete bridges, one iron bridge, and three wooden footbridges. Despite the scale of infrastructural destruction, no human or livestock casualties have been reported so far.

Ring Road Severely Affected, Traffic Disrupted

Chairperson Gurung confirmed that the flood severely damaged several key bridges connecting the internal road networks, including the vital ring road. “With multiple bridges destroyed, vehicular movement along the Lomanthang ring road has been completely halted,” he stated.

Glacial Lake Outburst Suspected

While Upper Mustang is typically known for its arid climate and low rainfall, the unexpected surge of water in the Chhuama River has raised alarm about a potential Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Locals reported no rainfall at the time of the flood, leading officials to suspect a sudden release of glacial water from a high-altitude lake.

“We interviewed locals and found that no rain had occurred in the area when the flood hit. This points toward a glacial lake burst,” said Chairperson Gurung.

Inspector Bishnuhari Thapa of the Armed Police Force Border Outpost (BOP) in Chhoser, Lomanthang-2, confirmed that a reconnaissance team had been dispatched to Chumjung to investigate the source. “Locals who collect Yarsagumba in the region confirmed the presence of glacial lakes upstream from the Chhuama River’s origin,” he added.

Climate Change Driving Glacier Risks

Lomanthang lies within the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, where climate change and rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt and instability. According to Lomanthang officials and environmental observers, dozens of glacial lakes exist in the highland origins of Mustang’s river systems, including those in nearby Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality.

“Due to increasing land temperatures triggered by climate change, snow caps are collapsing more frequently, increasing the risk of glacial lake breaches,” said Lopsang Chomphel Bishwakarma, Chairperson of Damodarkunda Rural Municipality.

This incident serves as another stark reminder of Nepal’s vulnerability to climate-induced disasters. Mustang, once considered safe from such events due to its dry geography, is now facing new environmental risks.

Government Urged to Act Swiftly

Local governments have appealed to provincial and federal authorities to expedite detailed damage assessments, reconstruct critical road and bridge infrastructure, and conduct glacial lake risk monitoring across the region. Environmentalists are also calling for early warning systems and climate resilience planning for Upper Mustang and other high-altitude regions.