Imja Tsho glacial lake, located at an altitude of 5,010 meters, has been identified as one of most threatening glacial lakes in the region. The lake that originated some 40 years ago is growing at the rate of 74 meters in length per year and can burst any time. "If it bursts, it will unleash a catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) causing devastation along the downstream valleys affecting communities and the ecology of the mountains, hills and also the dense populated areas of the Gangetic plains to the south," says a press release issued by Ideas at a press meet organized in Kathmandu on Friday.
The 42-kilometer ´action run´ (marathon), dubbed ´Beat the GLOF´, will "show the world what lies in the path of destruction." The race will begin at Imja Lake, pass through Namche Bazar and end in Khumjung village, located at an altitude of 3,790 meters. The runners - around 140 and mostly locals of the region - will follow the path that will be devastated by the GLOF.
"By organizing this run we hope to send the message to the policy makers on the severity of the problem and the price the country will have to pay in case action is not taken on time," Tsering Sherpa, president of Sherwi Yondhen Tshopka, said.
A day after the marathon competition, Initiatives for Development of Eco Action Support (Ideas), one of the organizers of the ´action run´, in support of World Wildlife Fund Nepal (WWF Nepal) and ICIMOD, is organizing a festival in Khumjung village. Cultural events, food fair and display of paintings made by local children are some of the highlights of the festival.
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