New Delhi: The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is witnessing the rapid melting of its glaciers due to climate change, leading to devastating floods in the region. In August 2024, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) swept away the village of Thame, home to many of Nepal’s famed sherpas. The village, almost entirely reliant on tourism, was a popular destination in the Everest region.
While there were no reported casualties, the floodwaters destroyed homes, a school, and a hydropower plant, leaving dozens displaced. Kami Temba Sherpa, a doctor at the village’s damaged clinic, described the devastation, stating, “The recent floods have devastated our beautiful valley of Thame, leaving significant damage to homes and infrastructure.”
The GLOF has severely impacted access to healthcare in the region. “We have established a temporary clinic, but challenging road conditions have severely impacted service delivery,” said the sherpa. “Access to health services is critical for the community, and recovery efforts are ongoing,” he added.
Thame is now grappling with the question of whether to rebuild in the same location or relocate, said the ADB. The decision of whether to rebuild the village in the same location or resettle elsewhere hinges on a detailed geological investigation and an understanding of the risks associated with the glacial lake.
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