Severe flooding has devastated the Thame area in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, leading to significant damage and heightened concerns for the safety of residents.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has issued a high alert for people living along the banks of the Dudhkoshi River, specifically from Jorasalle to Dudhkoshi, urging them to take immediate precautions and relocate to safer areas if necessary. The Thulung Dudhkoshi Rural Municipality reported that several houses in the Thame area have been washed away by the floodwaters.
Local authorities and experts believe that the flooding may have been triggered by a glacier break. Hydrologist Dharmaraj Upreti, sharing insights on social media, suggested that the river’s flow could have been disrupted due to an ice dam breaking or a landslide, as there has been no significant rainfall in the area over the past 12 hours. This theory is consistent with the sudden and severe nature of the flooding observed.
In response to the disaster, local officials have dispatched security personnel from Namche to Thame to assess the situation and provide assistance. However, the journey to Thame from Namche takes approximately five hours on foot, adding urgency to the efforts.
The flooding has not only damaged homes but also increased the flow of the Dudhkoshi River, posing further risks to those living nearby. The local administration, along with the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, continues to monitor the situation closely, advising residents to stay alert and prioritize their safety.
As rescue operations and damage assessments continue, the full extent of the impact remains uncertain, but authorities are working diligently to mitigate further risks and ensure the well-being of affected communities.
