Pakistan's Unfrozen Glacial Lakes Rise By 65 In Less Than Two Months

Pakistan's number of unfrozen glacial lakes rose from 40 to 105 in less than two months, according to a new satellite-based assessment by the national space agency. The increase was recorded between July and August as summer temperatures accelerated seasonal melting in the country's mountain regions.

The assessment used temporal satellite imagery, with the most recent image acquired on August 5. The lakes were mapped through optical imagery to estimate their surface area and determine whether they were frozen or unfrozen.

Authorities said some water bodies showed changes in extent, with a small number exceeding their previous recorded maximum size. Such expansion can signal a greater volume of stored water and may raise the risk of instability in the natural moraine dams that contain glacial lakes.

A failure of such a dam can trigger a glacial lake outburst flood, sending large volumes of water and debris into downstream valleys. The agency advised relevant authorities to remain highly prepared, particularly in areas below potentially dangerous glacial lakes.

Cloud cover after the July assessment limited the availability of clear satellite imagery and made precise area comparisons more difficult. Despite this limitation, the increase in unfrozen lakes was consistent with rising summer temperatures and continued glacier melt.

Satellite monitoring will continue through the melt season to identify rapid lake expansion or other indicators of elevated flood risk. The findings are being shared with agencies responsible for climate monitoring, disaster management and water infrastructure.

The August assessment identified 131 potentially dangerous glacial lakes, using location data supplied by provincial disaster-management authorities and glacier-monitoring bodies. Pakistan has more than 13,000 glaciers, placing many mountain communities and critical infrastructure at risk from climate-driven changes.

A glaciologist said satellite monitoring alone cannot fully assess the danger and called for stronger field studies, better coordination and investment in local risk analysis. The latest findings underline the need for timely warnings and preparedness measures to protect people, farmland, roads and essential services in vulnerable valleys.