Everest's Sherpas fear their homes could wash away

Thame is a small village located in the Everest region of Nepal, sitting at a high altitude of about 3,800 meters. This village is known for its Sherpa community, which includes many famous climbers, such as Tenzing Norgay, who was the first person to reach the summit of Mount Everest. However, on August 16, a disaster struck when a glacial lake burst its banks, leading to a devastating flood that affected the village. The flood displaced around 60 people and destroyed numerous homes, hotels, a school, and a health clinic. The residents of Thame, numbering around 300, are now left in a state of uncertainty, questioning whether it is safe to continue living in their village. Yangji Doma Sherpa, a lifelong resident of Thame, expressed the community's shock and grief, stating, 'We are still in shock, and we are still crying when we talk to each other. ' Fortunately, no one was injured or killed during the flood, as it occurred during the day when people were awake and could respond quickly. Ang Tshering Sherpa, a former president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, emphasized the importance of this timing, noting that if the flood had happened at night, many lives could have been lost. The flood has raised serious concerns about the safety of the village, with residents feeling increasingly vulnerable. Some villagers have adopted a nomadic lifestyle, moving to different areas depending on the season, but even those living further down the valley were affected by the flood. Pasang Sherpa, who lives in Tok Tok village, described the terrifying experience of the flood, saying, 'The sound and the sight was so scary that I am still shaken. ' He has taken refuge in a nearby village and is unsure if he will return to Tok Tok. The Sherpa community believes that better monitoring of glacial lakes could help reduce the risks associated with such floods. While some lakes have been studied, many others remain unmonitored, leaving the community at risk. Disaster preparedness is lacking in Thame, with no training provided to residents on how to respond to floods. Ms. Doma Sherpa pointed out that while some villages downstream have received training, Thame has not been included in these efforts. The history of glacial lake outburst floods in Nepal is concerning, with several incidents recorded in the past 50 years, particularly in the Everest region. The community is now left to wonder if it is safe to remain in Thame, as they face the reality of living in a disaster-prone area. The flood has not only destroyed homes but has also changed the landscape of the village, with the river now flowing through the center of Thame, taking away much of the land. The local hydropower station, which provided electricity to the region, has also been damaged, leaving the area cut off from the outside world. The residents are worried about the long-term impacts of climate change and the increasing frequency of such disasters. Anil Pokhrel, head of Nepal's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, has acknowledged the community's fears and stated that a team of experts will be formed to assess the risks posed by the remaining glacial lakes. However, the Sherpa community has expressed skepticism about the government's response, feeling that there has been more talk than action in addressing the risks they face. They are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that their safety is prioritized in the future.