By The Nexus Gazette.
17th August, 2024.
A Sherpa village in Nepal’s Everest region has been devastated by freezing flood waters after a suspected glacial lake burst its banks. The village of Thame, renowned for its association with legendary mountaineers, was hit by a sudden and powerful deluge that swept through the area, causing widespread destruction.
Thame, located at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters, was struck by a violent surge of icy water. Videos from the scene depict frothy, milky waters rushing through the village, turning brown with mud and debris. The floodwaters destroyed around 15 homes and caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including a school and a health clinic.
The incident highlights the growing risks associated with climate change in the Himalayan region. Scientists have long warned that melting glaciers are creating unstable glacial lakes, which can burst their banks as they are dammed by loose rock and debris. With hundreds of such lakes now considered “potentially dangerous,” the threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) is becoming increasingly pressing.
Thame holds historical significance as the birthplace of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, was one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Despite the severe damage, no deaths or injuries have been reported. However, the destruction of key buildings in the village underscores the impact of such natural disasters on local communities.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the flood but suspect that the outburst from a glacial lake was responsible. The disaster serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action and increased vigilance in areas susceptible to such hazards. The situation in Thame reflects broader concerns about the effects of climate change on vulnerable mountainous regions.
As the village begins to recover from this devastating event, the international community is called upon to support climate resilience efforts and address the increasing risks posed by environmental changes in the Himalayas.
Resources:
1.https://www.yahoo.com/news/himalayan-village-nepal-hit-icy-203428903.html
2.https://www.ucanews.com/news/nepal-flood-waters-destroy-tenzing-norgays-village/106078
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3pz2py7vo
4.https://bing.com/search?q=Himalayan+village+in+Nepal+hit+by+icy+floods