Mountain town residents left devastated by sudden disaster: 'There was nothing left'

The effects of global warming are evident worldwide, but in icy regions like the Sherpa village of Thame in the Himalayas, the consequences are particularly striking. Recent reporting by the New York Times highlighted scientific efforts to monitor these changes.

In 2024, Thame was devastated by a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), which swept away homes and other structures. Last August, a healthcare worker traveling to a nearby town for supplies returned to find the trail and the clinic completely gone. "There was nothing left," he recounted.

Interestingly, the lakes responsible for the flooding were relatively small, illustrating how unpredictable these events can be. Glaciologist Dr. Scott Watson and his team have been surveying the region to measure lakes and prepare for potential disasters. As glaciers melt, new lakes form or existing ones grow, and GLOFs occur when these lakes breach their natural barriers.

A study in Nature highlighted that millions of people face threats from GLOFs, with thousands of fatalities in vulnerable regions such as Cordillera Blanca in Peru. The researchers stress the need for urgent action to reduce the risk of future loss of life.

Dr. Watson first explored Thames glaciers a decade ago and discovered ponds nearly 150 feet below the surface. On his latest visit, he found some lakes much deeper. Dig Tsho, a lake responsible for flooding villages like Thame in 1985, has since refilled to a depth of 240 feet.

Fieldwork by Dr. Watson's team and others helps map glacial lakes and assess where GLOFs may occur. While precise predictions are challenging, such studies are crucial for protecting communities. Other regions, like Juneau, Alaska, have implemented early warning systems, including flood dashboards, to keep residents informed during emergencies.

While climate fluctuations have always existed, the intensity of recent events points to human influences, such as fossil fuel emissions. By understanding climate risks, individuals can make choices that reduce environmental harm and support safer communities.

Author: Sophia Brooks