Lake outburst flood sweeps Thame village in Khumbu region

KHUMBU-A devastating flash flood, accompanied by a mudslide and debris, swept throughThame area in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu  district on Friday afternoon, damaging nearly half of the settlement.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a high alert for those residing along the Dudhkoshi riverbanks from Jorasalle to Dudhkoshi.

Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality reported that several houses in the Thame area have been washed away by the flood. The municipality has urged citizens living near the Dudhkoshi river to remain vigilant and get relocated to safe areas.

Experts believe that the flood may have been caused by a glacier break. Hydrologist Dharmaraj Upreti suggested on social media that the river might have been temporarily blocked due to an ice dam breaking or a landslide, as no significant rainfall has been recorded in the area in the last 12 hours.

According to Laxman Adhikari, Ward Chair of Khumjung Rural Municipality, the exact cause of the flood remains unclear.

“There are a couple of glaciers about a two-hour walk above the valley, but due to harsh conditions, it is currently impossible to investigate the source of the outburst,” Adhikari explained.

The floodwaters, carrying a heavy load of mud and debris, surged down the mountainside with a deafening roar, giving villagers just enough time to flee to safer, higher ground.

Fortunately, the incident occurred during the day. Had it happened at night, human casualties would likely have been unavoidable. Although no lives were lost, about 50% of the village has been severely damaged, and the remaining houses are uninhabitable.

Thame village, home to 45 households, is renowned for its association with legendary climbers, including Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Apa Sherpa, Kami Rita Sherpa, and Lakpa Rita Sherpa.