PM pledges prompt relief to Thame flood victims

By A Staff Reporter.Kathmandu, Aug. 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been briefed about the preliminary details of the damage caused by the glacial lake outburst (GLOF) in Thamekhola, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, which occurred on August 15.

The details were presented to Prime Minister Oli at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) in Singha Durbar on Sunday by Defence Minister Manbir Rai, who is also the local representative of the region, and senior officials from concerned agencies who had returned from the site. 

After listening seriously about the situation there, Prime Minister Oli expressed his commitment to take immediate action and make necessary decisions on behalf of the central government.

On the occasion, Defence Minister Rai, Federal MP Sonam Gyalzen Sherpa, Koshi Province Assembly Member Buddhi Bahadur Rajbhandari, Chief Secretary Liladevi Gadtaula, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority Anil Pokhrel, Chairman of the Rural Municipality Mingma Chhiri Sherpa, Vice Chairperson Tasi Lhamu Sherpa and others were present.

The on-site report mentioned the need for immediate relief, including food supplies and compensation for damages, as well as the restoration of essential services like electricity and telecommunication. 

It also highlighted the need for a detailed study of the damage and a joint team of experts from various fields to assess the risks of other glacial lakes. A reconstruction plan should be formulated and implemented. 

The report noted that due to the flood and landslide following the explosion, 17 houses and one school were destroyed. It also mentioned that the incident occurred during the daytime and, due to the early warning system, human casualties were avoided.