Icy Floods Devastate Himalayan Village in Nepal

 

GA, USA – August 27, 2024 – A Sherpa village in Nepal’s Everest region has been severely affected by icy floods, with more than a dozen buildings destroyed by the deluge. Thame, situated at an elevation of approximately 3,800 meters, was inundated when a glacial lake reportedly burst its banks, leading to a surge of icy floodwaters through the village.

Destruction and Impact

The sudden flood, which occurred on Friday, has caused significant damage, with reports indicating that around 15 homes, as well as a school and a health clinic, were completely swept away by the raging waters. Remarkably, no fatalities or injuries have been reported so far. The floodwaters, muddy and brown from debris, have engulfed the village, as shown in distressing videos circulating online.

Thame is renowned for being the home of many record-holding Sherpa mountaineers and is historically significant as the birthplace of Tenzing Norgay, who, alongside Sir Edmund Hillary, was the first to summit Mount Everest.

Investigation and Response

Gaurav Kumar KC, a spokesman for the Nepalese army, confirmed the destruction and mentioned that rescue teams are actively working to help residents to safety. However, bad weather has hindered the use of helicopters, delaying the rescue operations and investigation. Authorities plan to deploy helicopters to the affected area as soon as weather conditions permit.

While the precise cause of the flood remains under investigation, Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate change specialist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), suggested that the flooding is likely due to a glacial lake outburst. Shrestha and his team are working to verify this hypothesis.

Climate Change and Glacial Melting

This incident underscores the growing concern over climate change and its impact on the Himalayas. Scientists have noted an alarming rate of glacier melting in the region, leading to the formation of unstable glacial lakes that are prone to bursting. According to a 2020 report by ICIMOD, Nepal is home to 2,070 glacial lakes, with 21 classified as "potentially dangerous."

As global temperatures rise, the stability of these glacial lakes is increasingly at risk, posing a significant threat to communities living in the shadow of these glaciers. The recent flood in Thame highlights the urgent need for ongoing monitoring and preventive measures to protect vulnerable mountain communities.

Looking Ahead

As rescue operations continue and the investigation into the cause of the flood progresses, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of Thame’s residents and addressing the long-term impacts of climate change on the region. Stay tuned to our blog for updates on this developing story and further insights into the implications of climate change on Himalayan glaciers.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3pz2py7vo