Expert team investigates devastating Tilgaon flood and landslide in Humla

May 22, Kathmandu: A team of experts has reached the Humla district of Karnali Province to study the catastrophic flood and landslide that struck Tilgaon in Namkha Rural Municipality, Ward No. 6, on the night of the 15th of May.

The disaster, triggered by a sudden surge of muddy water and debris, caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including water supply systems, irrigation facilities, and electricity networks.

According to local reports, 18 families remain displaced, living under tarps due to ongoing fears of further floods. Preliminary assessments suggest that the landslide may have been caused by water bursting from melting snow, sweeping away soil and debris. However, the exact cause of the massive flood remains unclear, prompting a detailed investigation.

A three-member expert team, led by Senior Divisional Engineer Sushil Kumar Shrestha from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), reached Simikot, the district headquarters, on Wednesday morning.

Initial findings indicate that water from two glacial lakes, located approximately 5,300 meters above sea level, may have triggered the flood.

The expert team is expected to release a comprehensive report identifying the precise cause of the disaster and its impacts.

The investigation aims to provide clarity on the disaster’s origins and guide efforts to mitigate future risks in the vulnerable region.