MPs urge immediate action on Solukhumbu flood & landslide crisis

KATHMANDU: Member of Parliament Krishna Bahadur Rokaya has drawn the government’s attention to the significant loss of life and property caused by floods and landslides in Thame, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu district.

Speaking during the emergency session of the National Assembly today, Rokaya informed that the flood, which occurred at around 11:30 AM on Aug 17, swept away 20 houses, a clinic, a school, and other buildings in Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality.

He also noted that one person has gone missing, and several other homes have been buried.

He urged the government to immediately conduct search and rescue operations for the missing individual.

“There are reports that a glacial lake burst. It is crucial to investigate how this happened. The government must be vigilant about the risk of other glacial lakes potentially bursting,” Rokaya stated.

MP Rukmini Koirala also addressed the emergency session, stating, “The sudden landslide in Solukhumbu of Koshi State has damaged several homes, and some people are missing.

The Dudh Koshi River is swollen, posing a significant threat. We urge the government to assess the actual damage caused by the glacial lake outburst and flooding and provide necessary compensation. This incident highlights the impact of climate change, which must be addressed.”

Similarly, MP Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami echoed these concerns, urging the government to pay attention to the losses in Solukhumbu.

“Given the geographical vulnerability of the Himalayan region, where monsoon rains continue to cause heavy damage, it is said that several other glacial lakes are still at risk. The government must focus on reconstruction or resettlement efforts,” he stated.

Earlier, during the emergency session, MPs, including Jayanti Devi Rai, also emphasized the need to relocate residents of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality-5, Thame, to safer areas.