On 16 August 2024, a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) roared down to Thame, the Sherpa village west of Namche Bazaar that is home to many famous climbers. The flood destroyed or damaged about 14 buildings, including a school, a health post, five lodges and seven homes. No one was killed.
In short: Scientists found a cascade: an avalanche into an upper lake sent a wave into a lower lake, whose moraine dam then failed. The flood reached Thame in about 22 minutes and its effects were traced more than 50 km downstream.
Climate risk in the Himalaya
Warming is enlarging glacial lakes across the Himalaya. Nepal monitors the most dangerous, such as Imja Tsho near Island Peak. See also the 2025 Rasuwa flood.
Thame today
Thame has been rebuilding. It lies on the route to the Renjo La and the Three Passes.