Climate Change Affects Local Life in Thukla: Small GLOF activities in the Khumbu Glacier

Tshering Lhakpa Sherpa, resident of Thukla shares a local resident’s perspective of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF)

The bridge over Khumbu River got washed away by a flash flood for the fourth time in 2007. It was also the fourth time that Tshering Lhakpa Sherpa had to repair the bridge. A lifeline between Thukla and Pheriche, the bridge is a crucial means for commuting. The Khumbu River originates from the Khumbu Glacier.

Fed up, Tshering Lhakpa decided to find out what was causing this unusual frequency in the surge in the Khumbu River. He went up to the Khumbu Glacier and noticed small ponds of glacial lakes bursting their fragile banks, resulting in the small GLOF activities. Tshering Lhakpa also remarks that the snow cover consequently the borderline is receding up the mountain.

Interview with Tshering Lakpa Sherpa, local hotelier in Thukla