Thame Flood Triggered by Two Glacial Lake Outbursts in Khumbu Region

A devastating flood that struck the Thame and Dudhkoshi rivers in Solukhumbu on Friday has been confirmed to have been caused by the outbursts of two glacial lakes in the Khumbu region. A study team led by Defense Minister Man Bir Rai, which reached the affected areas on Saturday, confirmed that the massive flood was due to the sudden bursting of these glacial lakes.

The team, which included the Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Anil Pokharel, inspected the flood-affected areas by helicopter. Chief District Officer of Solukhumbu, Devi Pande, stated, “Out of the five glacial lakes in the Khumbu region, two burst on Friday, leading to the catastrophic flood. Two more lakes are currently at risk of bursting, while one remains stable.”

The flood, which occurred in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, has caused widespread devastation. The Thame River, swollen by the glacial lake outbursts, washed away 20 houses, several hotel lodges, a health post, and a school. The flood also completely destroyed the power house of the local power project and cut off about 200 meters of the trekking route from Khumbu Pasanglhamu-3 Phakding to Namche Jame.

Minister Rai, who was elected from Solukhumbu, urged local residents to remain cautious as the risk of further glacial lake outbursts remains high. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, especially the two glaciers that are still at risk of bursting. Local residents along the Thame River have been advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

The disaster has highlighted the growing risks posed by climate change and the increasing vulnerability of glacial lakes in the Himalayas. The government and local authorities are now working on immediate relief and long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters in the future.