Solukhumbu: Experts believe that the catastrophic flood that ravaged Thame village in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality was triggered by accelerated snow melt. The vast watershed area, spanning from the towering 6,938-meter Tengi Ragi Tau to Tashi Lapcha, experienced rapid snow melt, leading to landslides and subsequent flooding.
The disaster also caused significant damage to three permafrost formations on Tashi Lapcha’s eastern side. Permafrost, a frozen ground mixture of sand and snow, has been destabilized by rising temperatures.
The floodwaters, originating from the upper reaches of Thame, impacted numerous residential and agricultural structures, including the Nogle Porter Shelter, Tashi Lapcha Pass Lodge, and a local restaurant. The thriving Thame community, known for tourism and animal husbandry, has been severely affected.
Geologist Shrikamal Dwivedi observed evidence of sediment-laden floodwaters in footage of the disaster, indicating a potential glacial lake outburst. He emphasized the role of climate change in exacerbating the situation, with rising temperatures causing unprecedented snow melt and increased rainfall in previously snow-covered regions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing risks associated with global warming and its impact on fragile mountain ecosystems.
