The looming disaster facing the village of Naa in north-east Nepal due to the rapidly expanding Tsho Rolpa glacial lake has put the lives of thousands at risk. Kinjum Sherpa, a resident of Naa, remains oblivious to the imminent danger despite her intimate connection to the high Himalayan landscape.
The 72-year-old Sherpa, who looks after a herd of yaks while her children work as climbing guides on Mount Everest, expressed her lack of knowledge about preventive measures to avert a potential glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The Tsho Rolpa lake, classified as critically dangerous, poses a catastrophic threat to downstream settlements like Naa and Beding, along with vital infrastructure.
Although a risk mitigation plan was implemented in 2000 to lower the lake’s water level, the lack of coordination and funding has stalled further preventive measures. Recent surveys show an expansion of the lake, raising concerns among officials and local communities.
With Nepal’s glaciers feeling the heat due to rising temperatures, the risk of GLOFs is on the rise. Experts emphasize the need for regular inspections, early warning systems, and community awareness to mitigate the risks effectively.
As the government works to secure funding for risk reduction projects at other dangerous glacial lakes, local communities like Bigu and Gaurishankar demand urgent action to safeguard their lives and livelihoods. Despite differing opinions on protection measures, the consensus remains clear: proactive steps must be taken before it’s too late to prevent a potential disaster.