Abstract
In recent years, mountainous countries have been experiencing the impacts of climate change, leading to increased frequency and severity of natural disasters like landslides and floods. Mustang district of Nepal, situated in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna region, historically received very low annual rainfall. However, there has been a noticeable increase in rainfall patterns, particularly in higher altitudes previously dominated by snowfall. This shift to rainfall in higher altitudes, where loose, unconsolidated materials are prevalent, has heightened the risk of slope destabilization, increasing the likelihood of landslides, debris flows, formation of landslide dams, and subsequent flash floods upon dam breach. On August 13, 2023, Kagbeni village in Mustang district was devastated by a heavy flash flood from Kag Khola, resulting in property loss worth RS 1 billion, displacement of hundreds of people, and destruction of numerous infrastructures. This research conducts a geohazard risk assessment of Mustang district, focusing on the floods on Kaligandaki river and its tributaries. Primary data was collected through field surveys, drone surveys for inaccessible areas, and geotechnical investigations using soil samples. Hazardous areas with potential future risks were identified, and recommendations for risk reduction work were provided.
Presenters
Bal Deep SharmaCivil Engineer/ Geotechnical Engineer, Disaster Reduction and Operation Division, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Bagmati, Nepal
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
CLIMATE CHANGE, NATURAL DISASTERS, GEOHAZARDS RISK ASSESSMENT, RISK REDUCTION
