Unfrozen Glacial Lakes in Pakistan Rises in Less Than Two Months

Notably, the number of unfrozen lakes in Pakistan has risen from 40 to 105 in less than two months, according to satellite imagery assessed by the national space agency between July and August.

Key points

• Pakistan is home to more than 13, 000 glaciers, according to a glacier inventory completed in 2024.
• The August assessment identified 131 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, with locations provided by provincial disaster management authorities and Wapda's Glacier Monitoring and Research Centre.
• Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Saleem Shaikh remarked rising temperatures throughout the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region are accelerating glacier melt and increasing the risk of Glofs and other climate-related hazards.
• The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission remarked the latest assessment was based on temporal satellite imagery, with the most recent image acquired on August 5.
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Meanwhile, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission remarked the latest assessment was based on temporal satellite imagery, with the most recent image acquired on August 5.

It remarked all identified lakes were mapped on optical satellite imagery to estimate their surface area and determine whether they were frozen or unfrozen. The agency remarked the rise was projected as summer temperatures rose. Himalayan Glaciers Near Tipping Point as Water Crisis Threatens Millions.

"At present, 105 lakes are observed to be unfrozen, compared with 40 lakes reported earlier, " Suparco remarked. It continued that some lakes had expanded beyond their previous recorded maximum extents.

Suparco remarked persistent cloud cover after the July report had limited the availability of cloud-free satellite imagery, making it challenging to assess lake-area changes accurately.

On July 2, the agency had observed 40 unfrozen lakes, indicating accelerated seasonal melting.

According to Suparco, a glacial lake becomes more dangerous when its water extent grows beyond its historical maximum, as this may point to greater water storage and a higher risk of moraine dam failure. It can trigger a glacial lake outburst flood.

In practice, the agency remarked relevant authorities had been advised to remain on high alert, particularly in downstream valleys of potentially dangerous glacial lakes.

It remarked regular satellite monitoring would continue throughout the melt season to detect rapid lake expansion or other warning signs and backing early alerts and disaster risk management. UN Warns Millions at Risk from Glacial Floods in Himalayan Region.

Dr Karamat Ali, a glaciologist at Karakoram International University, remarked satellite monitoring alone was not enough and called on field studies, better coordination and more detailed research on glacier morphology, microclimates and seasonal mass accumulation.

He remarked glacial melt is a serious concern and pointed to a lack of information on hanging glaciers and end moraines. It are key to understanding Glof risks.

Suparco remarked it is monitoring potentially dangerous glacial lakes through satellite imagery and sharing the results with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Climate Change technical committee on Glof monitoring.

Meanwhile, the August assessment identified 131 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, with locations provided by provincial disaster management authorities and Wapda's Glacier Monitoring and Research Centre.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Saleem Shaikh remarked rising temperatures throughout the Hindu Kush-Karakoram-Himalaya region are accelerating glacier melt and increasing the risk of Glofs and other climate-related hazards. Pakistan Among World's Most Unique Travel Destinations for 2026.

He remarked faster warming is expanding unstable glacial lakes that could burst without warning, threatening downstream communities, infrastructure and farmland.

Shaikh remarked Pakistan's response must be science-driven, technology-enabled and translated into timely action to protect lives and livelihoods. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

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Taken together, the developments around unfrozen Glacial Lakes in Pakistan Rises in Less Than Two Months point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.