A massive flood has caused widespread destruction in ward 5 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality in Solukhumbu district on Friday.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dwarika Prasad Ghimire of the District Police Office, Solukhumbu, three houses and a hotel have been destroyed, and five more are at risk.

DSP Ghimire confirmed that police have been dispatched to the scene for search and rescue operations.

He further warned of the looming threat of potential downstream flooding, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared.

Chief District Officer Devi Pandey said that although there are rumours of a glacial lake outburst, it has not yet been confirmed. She added that it is raining in the affected area, which could be the cause of the flood. She said the full extent of the damage is still being assessed.

The damage was caused by a flooded Thame rivulet, one of the tributaries of Dudhkoshi River. Authorities have warned residents downstream of a flash flood.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with the Defence Ministry has directed the Nepal Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police for search, rescue, and disaster management operations in response to the devastating flood. The ministry has instructed Solukhumbu Chief District Officer Devi Pandey to oversee and manage search and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas.

Defence Minister Manbir Rai said the ministry has directed the army leadership to deploy the security force in coordination with the home ministry in the rescue efforts.

“I have talked to the home minister as well as the acting army chief with regard to mobilising the security agencies to save the people’s lives,” said Rai.