Devastating Glacial Lake Outburst in Nepal’s Everest Region: Climate Change Impact

Massive flash floods in Thame village, Nepal, were triggered by two glacial lake outbursts, causing extensive property damage but no fatalities. Around 93 villagers were rescued, and the disaster highlights the increasing threats of climate change to glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region.

Army officials, civic authorities, and scientists confirmed on Saturday that massive flash floods in Thame village, located in the Everest region of Nepal, were caused by two glacial lake outbursts. The floods led to widespread devastation in the high-altitude area.

The deluge, which barreled down steep slopes carrying boulders, debris, and muck, destroyed more than half of the homes in Thame village. Despite the scale of the destruction, no fatalities have been reported so far, although one person remains missing. According to MyRepublica, the flood was caused by an overflow of the Thame rivulet, a tributary of the Dudhkoshi River.

Authorities have reported that around 93 villagers who fled to higher altitudes or were rescued are now being sheltered in an army camp, while 42 others have been temporarily placed in a nearby community building. An inspection team, comprising experts and authorities, was dispatched by helicopter to survey the disaster site and trace the cause of the sudden flood and mudslide.

"The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality confirmed that the flood was triggered by the outburst of two of the five glacial lakes situated above the Thame village," The Himalayan Times reported. The Kathmandu Post also highlighted that the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development identified the Thyanbo glacial lake as one of the sources.

Experts have warned that global warming poses grave threats to glacial lakes and subsequent GLOFs in the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region. Thame village, located 16 km from Namche Bazaar, has cultural significance as it is known for being the birthplace of legendary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, a pioneer in mountaineering history.

ICIMOD's Tenzing Chogyal Sherpa and Miriam Jackson emphasized the dangerous repercussions of climate change on mountain communities, which contribute minimally to greenhouse gas emissions but bear severe consequences. They urged prompt actions to combat climate change and mitigate its impacts.

(With inputs from agencies.)