Everest region’s Thame village devastated by deadly glacial lake flood
A new study on the 2024 glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) in Nepal’s Everest region reveals that a combination of geological and geomorphological factors amplified the disaster that hit Thame village on August 16, 2024. Triggered by a rock avalanche, the flood released over 450,000 cubic meters of water, causing widespread destruction without any fatalities due to its gradual flow. The study, by ICIMOD experts, highlights the growing risks posed by glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which is warming three times faster than the global average.
With over 25,000 glacial lakes now in the region, the study stresses the urgent need for better monitoring and flood risk management. The accelerating impacts of climate change are increasing the frequency of GLOFs, threatening communities and infrastructure. ICIMOD’s findings call for more hydrological monitoring, bank protection, and disaster preparedness to prevent future losses and strengthen resilience.
