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UN-backed flood warning system in Everest region fails due to neglect
Nepalese officials have confirmed that a critical early warning system designed to protect communities near Imja glacial lake in the Everest region has fallen into disrepair, leaving thousands at risk of catastrophic floods.
System abandoned after initial success
The United Nations-supported project, implemented in 2016 after Imja lake was drained to reduce flood risks, included siren towers and satellite-based water level monitoring. However, no maintenance has been conducted since, according to villagers and officials. Locals report that siren towers have rusted, while some have had their batteries stolen.
Nepal's Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) admitted that satellite data transmission, which triggers mobile alerts, has been unreliable. The lake, located at over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) above sea level, was reduced by 3.5 meters in depth during the $3.5 million risk reduction initiative.
Climate change heightens risks
Scientists warn that accelerating glacier melt due to global warming is causing Himalayan glacial lakes to expand rapidly, increasing the risk of outburst floods. A recent assessment by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development found that ice loss rates in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region have doubled since 2000.
Rising temperatures have also destabilized mountain slopes, leading to rockfalls and glacial collapses that can trigger devastating floods. The Everest region has experienced at least five glacial lake outbursts in the past five decades, leaving downstream communities in constant fear.
Villagers left without protection
Ang Nuru Sherpa, chairman of the Chaurikharka buffer zone near Sagarmatha National Park, expressed skepticism about the system's functionality. "The siren tower in our village is rusting and leaning, ready to collapse at any moment," he said. "We don't expect any warning if Imja lake bursts."
Jangbu Sherpa, a resident of Chhukung-the first village in the lake's potential flood path-stated that officials had promised annual inspections but never followed through. "We travel to Kathmandu every year to request repairs, but nothing changes," he added.
Tshering Sherpa, CEO of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee, highlighted that the threat extends beyond local communities. "Six villages and over 60,000 tourists who visit annually are at risk," he noted.
Government acknowledges funding shortfall
DHM officials confirmed that the central government had not allocated funds for maintenance. Niraj Pradhananga, a senior meteorologist, revealed that proposals to cover costs through hydro-power providers downstream had not materialized. "We can't confirm if the sirens work," he admitted, citing reports of stolen batteries in villages like Dingboche.
Archana Shrestha, the DHM's acting director general, acknowledged that resources had been diverted to upgrade another glacial lake's warning system. "That consumed all our time and funds," she said. "Now, we're focusing on Imja and revising regulations to ensure staff have the budget and time for maintenance."
Technical failures compound risks
The hydro-meteorological station responsible for transmitting real-time water level data to Kathmandu has faced persistent issues. "We're not receiving consistent data, which prevents us from sending mobile alerts," Pradhananga explained. While the satellite company denied problems, the local service provider has not responded to DHM's inquiries.
New projects aim to avoid past mistakes
The UNDP has secured a $36 million grant to replicate the Imja project at four other high-risk locations in Nepal. Monica Upadhyay, UNDP Nepal's head of communication, stated that "lessons from Imja" would guide the new initiatives, emphasizing long-term sustainability through clearer institutional arrangements and dedicated financing.
Despite these efforts, local communities remain skeptical. Nawang Thome Sherpa, a village leader in Phakding, called the original project "an eyewash." "They spent millions claiming to protect us, but we live in daily fear of losing lives and property," he said.
