Unfrozen glacial lakes in Pakistan rise to 105

The number of unfrozen glacial lakes in Pakistan has increased from 40 to 105 in less than two months, according to the latest satellite assessment by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), which warned authorities to maintain heightened preparedness amid rising temperatures. In a press release, Suparco said the latest assessment was based on temporal satellite imagery, with the most recent image acquired on August 5. All identified lakes were mapped using optical satellite imagery to estimate their surface areas and determine whether they were frozen or unfrozen. The space agency said the increase was expected with rising summer temperatures and the resulting seasonal melting of glaciers. "At present, 105 lakes are observed to be unfrozen, compared with 40 lakes reported earlier," Suparco said, adding that the latest assessment also showed temporal variation in the extent of some lakes, with a few exceeding their previously recorded maximum extents. Temporal variation refers to changes in the size or boundaries of a lake over time. Suparco noted that some water bodies had been found to be larger than their maximum recorded extents. However, persistent cloud cover following the previous assessment in July limited the availability of cloud-free satellite imagery, making it difficult to accurately determine changes in lake areas, the agency said. On July 2, Suparco had reported 40 unfrozen lakes, indicating accelerated seasonal melting. At the time, most of the unfrozen lakes remained within their previously recorded maximum extents. According to Suparco, a glacial lake becomes a greater concern when its water extent expands beyond its historical maximum. Such expansion may indicate increased water storage and a greater possibility of moraine dam instability or failure, potentially increasing the risk of a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Given the continuing rise in temperatures and the growing number of unfrozen lakes, Suparco advised all relevant authorities to maintain a high level of preparedness, particularly in downstream valleys located near potentially dangerous glacial lakes. "Regular satellite monitoring will continue throughout the melt season to detect any rapid lake expansion or other signs of increased GLOF risk," the agency said, adding that the monitoring would enable timely dissemination of alerts and support proactive disaster-risk management.