Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has called for the immediate restoration of communication services in Thame village, Solukhumbu district, following severe damage caused by a flash flood. The flood, triggered by the outburst of two small glacial lakes, struck the village in Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5 on August 16.
In response to the incident, which resulted in significant damage to both private and public infrastructure, Minister Gurung has directed the implementation of alternative arrangements to restore communication services. The flood has notably impacted the local power station and disrupted electricity and telecommunication services across the affected wards.
The headquarters of the Khumbu Electricity Company were also damaged in the flood, exacerbating the communication and electricity disruptions in wards 3, 4, and 5 of the rural municipality. People’s representatives highlighted the urgent need for a resolution, requesting that alternative energy solutions be arranged to resume telephone and internet services.
Minister Gurung has instructed telecommunication providers, Nepal Telecom and Ncell, to expedite efforts to find alternatives for restoring communication services. Meanwhile, Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has directed the relevant authorities to prioritize the restoration of electricity services in Thame village.
Minister Khadka has been in contact with Kulman Ghising, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, to address the issue promptly. The flood’s impact on the Thame River has led to widespread disruptions, and efforts are underway to mitigate the effects and restore normalcy to the affected community.
