Thousands at risk after multi-million dollar Everest flood warning system left to rust

Officials say Imja Lake is in a remote location and staff require sufficient time, budget, and resources to perform ground maintenance; there are plans to strengthen institutional arrangements and engage with the private sector where appropriate.

Sherpa community leaders say the warning system is an eyewash and that people in the Khumbu region must live with daily risk of loss of life and property, with Chhukung identified as the first village downstream in the event of a burst.

Experts note that the Everest region has experienced at least five floods from glacial lakes in the last five decades, with six villages downriver and more than 60,000 tourists visiting the region each year being vulnerable to such events.

The UNDP has received a further $36 million grant to repeat the Imja lake process at four other locations in Nepal, with lessons from Imja informing design, focusing on long-term sustainability, dedicated financing, and partnerships including with the private sector.

Archana Shrestha, acting director general of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, acknowledged that funds had been redirected to upgrade the early warning system for another glacial lake, and that changes in rules and regulations are being made to ensure staff can perform maintenance in the remote Imja lake area.

The hydro-met station has not been transferring real-time lake-water data to Kathmandu as regularly as needed, hindering the ability to issue mobile alerts. Officials say there are issues with the satellite company and local service provider.

Since the 2016 project, no maintenance has been undertaken; siren towers are left to rust and some batteries have allegedly been stolen in downstream villages, according to locals. Villagers fear Imja lake could burst and flood downstream areas including trekking routes and villages.

The depth of Imja Lake was reduced by about 3.5 meters as part of a $3.5 million risk reduction project that included the early warning system.

Scientists say ice loss rates have doubled in the Hindu Khush Himalaya region since 2000, according to a Kathmandu-based ICIMOD assessment.