Solukhumbu: The Chief District Officer (CDO) of Solukhumbu, Devi Pandey Khatri, has confirmed that the recent flood in the Thame River was caused by the outburst of two glacial lakes. The incident, which occurred on Friday in Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, has left the area still at risk of further flooding.

Minister for Defense Manbir Rai and Anil Pokharel, Chief Executive Officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Authority (NDRRMA), conducted an aerial survey of the affected region on Saturday. Their inspection confirmed that two of the five glacial lakes above the Thame area had burst, leading to the flood. While one of the remaining lakes is considered safe, the other two are still at risk.

The situation has put residents of the lower Solu and Khumbu areas on high alert, with authorities urging them to take necessary precautions.

The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology attributes the outburst to climate change and rising temperatures. The average temperature in the Thame area has increased from 9.7°C to 11°C since August 9, reaching 15°C on the day of the flood. This, combined with continuous rain, triggered the outburst.

Climate expert Rajan Thapa has warned that the risk of glacial lake outbursts is increasing due to abnormal temperature rises in the Himalayan region, threatening human settlements.

In response to the disaster, Minister Rai's team distributed relief materials to the affected residents. Thirteen households received Rs 15,000 each and tarpaulin sheets, while 15 households received Rs 50,000 each from the local government. The 20 houses that were completely destroyed were fortunately unoccupied at the time.

The flood has also disrupted the only road network connecting Salleri to Khumbu, as well as communication services in Khumbu due to electricity outages. The floodwaters merged into the Dudhkoshi River, causing damage to the Miteri Pul (Friendship Bridge) between Khumbu Pasang Lhamu and Mapya Dudhkoshi Rural Municipalities, further isolating the region.