KATHMANDU: A devastating flood has struck Thame village in the Solukhumbu district, a key area in the Everest region, after a suspected glacial lake outburst. The Thame stream, a tributary of the Dudh Koshi River, overflowed on Friday afternoon, severely impacting Ward-5 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
Thame village, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas and known for its proximity to Everest, is a popular stop for trekkers and adventurers. However, the sudden flood has raised concerns about the safety of the area, which is also crucial to Nepal’s mountain tourism industry. Local residents noted that while there had been rainfall for several days, the flood’s intensity was unprecedented. Many now suspect that a glacial lake higher up in the mountains may have burst, unleashing a torrent of water downstream.
Chief District Officer Devi Pandey stated that it remains unclear whether the disaster was triggered by a glacial lake outburst or an avalanche. “The exact cause is still under investigation,” she said, underscoring the need for further assessments in the region known for its majestic glaciers and towering peaks.
Pasang Gyaltshen Sherpa, the ward chairman, reported that the floodwaters from the Thame stream have submerged much of the village. Thame, home to 45 households, is a vital part of the Solukhumbu district’s cultural and economic landscape. The village is a four-day trek from the district headquarters, making immediate relief efforts challenging. “So far, there have been no reports of human casualties, but we are still gathering information,” Sherpa added.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a high-alert warning to communities downstream, including those living near the Dudh Koshi River. The department’s statement urged residents from Jorsalle down to lower-lying areas to relocate to safer grounds until further notice, citing the potential for additional flooding.
The Ministry of Home Affairs also emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Bhisma Kumar Bhusal, Chief of the Disaster Management Division, warned that the flood could cause extensive damage in the Thame area and called on residents of low-lying regions, including Kuibhir, Diale, Pokhare, Bhadaure, Rabuwaghat, Taluwa, Moli, Waksa, and Jayaramghat, to remain on high alert.
In response, the Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality has issued an appeal to those living along the Dudh Koshi River, urging them to stay vigilant and move to secure locations. Nagendra Basnet, the Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality, highlighted the extreme risk posed by the floodwaters and the importance of immediate precautionary measures.
As the situation unfolds, the focus is on preventing further disaster in the Everest region, which is not only a vital part of Nepal’s mountainous heritage but also a critical zone for tourism. The suspected glacial lake outburst serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities living in the shadow of the world’s highest peaks.