Sherpas' Homeland Threatened by Climate Change

On August 16, the small Sherpa village of Thame, located at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters in Nepal's Everest region, was struck by a catastrophic flood after a glacial lake overflowed. The disaster displaced around 60 residents and resulted in the destruction of over a dozen homes, hotels, a school, and a health clinic. Local resident Yangji Doma Sherpa expressed the community's shock and grief, questioning the safety of their village in the wake of such devastation. The flood's impact was felt not only in Thame but also in nearby Tok Tok village, where Pasang Sherpa recounted the harrowing experience of fleeing to higher ground. While some villages downstream of the Imja glacial lake have received training on flood response, the frequency of glacial lake outburst floods in the region raises concerns. In the past 50 years, four such incidents have occurred in the Dudhkosi river basin, highlighting the urgent need for monitoring and early warning systems for the numerous glacial lakes in the Everest area. The effects of climate change on Himalayan glaciers have become increasingly evident, with locals noting that some flood damage may be irreversible. The Thame river's course has shifted dramatically, leaving behind debris and boulders. Anil Pokhrel, head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), announced plans to assess the risks posed by three remaining lakes upstream and evaluate the safety of downstream settlements. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the flood, the looming threat of additional glacial lake outbursts remains a pressing concern for the residents of Thame and surrounding areas.