A massive flood swept through Thame village in Gokyo region of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality, official said. The flooding started around 1.25 PM local time today.
According to Pasang Gyaljen Sherpa, chairperson of Ward 5, the flood hit almost all households of the village.
“We have no idea how it occurred. It has not been confirmed whether the flood was caused by glacial lake outbursts or something else. Of course there is a strong possibility as there are several glacial lakes around the place,” he told Everest Chronicle.
According to Sherpa, it was an overcast day, which is usual for monsoon days in the village that lies at an altitude of 3,800m above sea level without much rain for the past few days. There was no indication of the calamity in sight, and has taken officials as well as residents by complete surprise.
The Rural Municipality has posted a video clip on its Facebook page, which shows flood inundating the village. It has alarmed people living in downstream settlements around Dudhkoshi River as due to potential of flood and landslide. The Rural Municipality has issued notice to all downstream community and local units to be vigilant in case of any major disasters or incidences.
Thame is a village of famous climbers like Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, Apa Sherpa and Kami Rita Sherpa among others. The village, which lies to the west of Namche Bazar, the gateway to the Everest region, is a popular stopover for trekkers on their way to Gokyo, Renjo La and Chola Passes.
No human casualty has been reported so far. The actual assessment of the damage and the cause is undergoing as the municipal and government officials arrive at the site.
