KATHMANDU, May 19: A flood hit Tilgaun in Namkha Rural Municipality-6 of Humla after two glacial lakes burst in Thakra, a location directly above the village, said Ward Chairperson Paljor Tamang.
Tamang said the lakes burst on May 15 and confirmed that mud continues to flow in the area. Locals initially did not know the cause of the flood, but after inspecting the site today, they discovered the two glacial lakes had burst in Thakra, about a nine-hour walk uphill from the village.
"A five-member team reached the site today," Tamang told Republica. "We confirmed that two glacial lakes had burst. Only then did we realize the mudflow was caused by it."
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He said 19 households affected by the landslide have taken shelter across the village under tarpaulins. "Thirty-three people are staying under tarps from 19 households. We've arranged food for them. I've done everything I can on my part. But this problem is beyond what the ward or municipality can handle — the government must step in. The situation is truly dangerous," he said.
Chief District Officer of Humla, Narayan Pandey, said his office is coordinating with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Disaster Management Division, and the Department of Mines and Geology.
He also informed that a security team investigating the cause of the flood had to turn back midway. He said the high-altitude location and health issues made reaching the site difficult, increasing the challenges.
Pandey said affected locals have been urging authorities to send a helicopter. "We are making every possible effort to manage the situation. Since yesterday, people have been requesting a helicopter. Today, a five-member local team reached the site. Based on their observations, we must develop further strategies," he said.
