During mid-August, the rain began early in the morning in the Khumbu area of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.
The high Himalayan region was already covered with mist; in the middle of the monsoon, the fog was thick. Visibility was poor. Thame itself lies at an altitude of 3,800 meters. With about 65 households, Thame is a very beautiful and scenic valley and a tourist destination. Around midday that day, a loud sound was heard, and a mud-laden flood came from above the village. Images of the flood circulated widely on social media.
The high-altitude terrain of Thame supports certain natural agricultural produce, but large rocks have now settled on those fields. Coincidentally, when the glacial lake burst, and the flood arrived on 32 Shrawan, it was midday. As it was the off-season, there were no tourists. It was market day in Namche, and many people had gone there, while others were tending livestock, so there was no human casualty. However, erosion and deposition have turned Thame into a gravel bed.
A study indicates that rising temperatures were the main reason for the glacial lake outburst flood. On August 21, 2024, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) confirmed in a press conference that two glacial lakes burst due to temperature rise, sending floodwaters into the settlement.
According to Chief Executive Anil Pokharel, snow in the upper lake melted due to higher temperatures, and continuous rainfall increased water levels. Waves spilled into the lower lake, and when its weak outlet failed, flooding entered Thame. More than 20 houses were damaged.
Thame Basic School, the health post, and the hostel were destroyed. Other houses were also affected, according to Chief District Officer Devi Pandey Khatri, after site monitoring. The flood damaged a 950-kilowatt hydropower project in Ward 5 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, forcing about 900 households into darkness.
The day after the flood, on 1 Bhadra, a team led by the Defense Minister reached Thame and distributed Rs. 15,000 per household as relief, while the rural municipality provided Rs. 50,000 in cash assistance. More than 100 displaced people were temporarily sheltered in Lower Thame.
Debris of rocks, gravel, and mud has indirectly affected the entire village. Initial estimates put physical damage at over Rs. 1 billion. Five glacial lakes lie above Thame; two have burst, and others remain at risk. Residents of about 65 households are struggling without food or sleep. Nearly two months later, victims are still staying with relatives in Upper Thame (Thame Thing). With food and accommodation scarce in communal shelters, most have sought refuge with relatives.
It takes about 10 hours of walking from the municipal center to reach Thame. Relief delivery is difficult as helicopters are required. Since the entire village is affected, relatives cannot provide long-term support. Most men are away for tourism work or employment. Women and children make up most of the population remaining in Thame, and coping with disaster while caring for children has been difficult. Resident Tara Sherpa said the flood swept away property, homes, clothing, jewelry, and cash accumulated over a lifetime.
Residents demand immediate shelter and future livelihood opportunities. “We have lost everything and are forced to depend on relatives. How long can this continue? We need housing and work, otherwise hunger is our next worry,” Tara said.
Main cause of glacial lake outburst- temperature rise
NDRRMA reported that locals had seen dark clouds before the burst, which signaled danger, but the primary cause was rising temperature. Increased July–August temperatures contributed. The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology attributed the outburst to ground erosion and geomorphic change in higher areas, causing cascading effects.
Climate scientists conducted detailed studies showing glacier melt is increasing lake size and number. Of 47 high-risk glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya, 21 lie in Nepal. Lowering Imja Lake’s level in 2016 cost USD 7.2 million, yet risks remain. Scientists warn that four lakes- Thulagi, Hongu, Lower Barun, and Lumding Cho- require urgent drainage, needing major funding.
How did the flood occur?
Temperature in the Khumbu region rose from 9.7°C to 11°C between 25–32 Shrawan, with a maximum reaching 15.9°C. Lake size increased. Earlier studies counted 626 glacial lakes in the Everest region; numbers continue to grow. The Thame River changed course and devastated the settlement. A similar flood occurred 39 years earlier in 1985, destroying hydropower infrastructure and farmland. Experts say the 2081 flood was larger.
Rainfall of about 148 mm was recorded at Syangboche Airport before the flood. Climate change is causing rain in areas once dominated by snow, destabilizing slopes and raising outburst risk.
National concern and need for attention
Stakeholders stress government preparedness since such disasters may increase. MPs demanded an investigation in the National Assembly. Some urged research and international advocacy on climate impacts, while others called for relocation of vulnerable settlements and national campaigns to protect the Himalayas.
Geologists say rising temperatures increased meltwater and pressure on moraine dams, linking the event to climate change. Similar hazards from “hanging glaciers” threaten other lakes.
Tourism impacts
The flood severely affected tourism in the Everest region, a major income source. Damaged trails and destroyed infrastructure threaten livelihoods and future seasons.
UN Secretary-General’s Khumbu visit
In October 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres visited Khumbu, highlighting climate change impacts and pledging global awareness. Within a year, the disaster struck. Locals described glacier melt, water scarcity, landslides, and agricultural impacts.
Role of local governments in addressing climate challenges
Discussions often focus on economic losses, yet non-economic losses, health, culture, and indigenous knowledge are significant. Local governments play a decisive role in adaptation and mitigation strategies, early-warning systems, participatory decision-making, and integrating indigenous knowledge. Strengthening local capacity is essential for addressing climate risks effectively.