Solukhumbu: The flooded Thame River in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, continues to erode coastal areas, causing significant destruction. The flood, which began on Friday afternoon, has resulted in the ongoing erosion around Khumbu and Lower Solu.

Despite a decrease in the river's water level, erosion persists, according to Laxman Giri, a police inspector at the District Police Office. The flood has already swept away 20 houses and lodges, a health post, and a school in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, Ward No. 5. Additionally, the local power project's powerhouse was completely destroyed, and a 200-meter section of the trekking route from Phakding to Namche Jame has been washed away.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dwarika Prasad Ghimire reported that both Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been deployed for rescue and relief operations. So far, 93 people have been rescued from the affected areas and provided shelter in an army camp, while 42 others are taking refuge in a local community building. Five families from Mapyadudhkosi Rural Municipality-6 have also been relocated by the police.

The floods also damaged the Mapya-Khumbu friendship bridge over the Dudhkosi River, which connects Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and Mapyadudhkosi Rural Municipality, disrupting the direct road network from Saleri to Khumbu.

Lamakaji Sherpa, Chairperson of the Everest Pollution Control Committee, suggested that the flood might have been caused by the outburst of a glacial lake in the Khumbu area. Chief District Officer Devi Pandey Khatri stated that a team from the Central Disaster Management Committee, along with Defense Minister Manbir Rai, is expected to arrive today for an on-site inspection of the flood-affected areas.

In a related incident, the flooded Bhotekoshi River swept away one person, as well as a dozen houses and public offices combined in the Khumbu region on Friday afternoon. The missing person has not yet been identified. DSP Ghimire indicated that the sudden flood is suspected to be a flash flood triggered by a glacial lake outburst in the Thame area, as there was no rainfall at the time. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.