Brief
Suparco reports 105 unfrozen glacial lakes in Pakistan, up from 40
Satellite analysis by Suparco shows a 165% increase in unfrozen glacial lakes over two months, prompting disaster‑risk warnings.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) said the count of unfrozen glacial lakes rose from 40 to 105 between early July and 5 August, based on temporal satellite imagery.
The agency mapped each lake on optical satellite images to determine surface area and freeze status, noting that rising summer temperatures drove the increase. Suparco added that a few lakes have exceeded their previously recorded maximum extents, a sign of possible heightened moraine‑dam instability.
Suparco warned that expanding lakes can raise the risk of a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) and advised authorities to stay prepared, especially in downstream valleys. The agency said regular satellite monitoring will continue throughout the melt season to detect rapid lake expansion and issue alerts.
Glaciologist Dr Karamat Ali of Karakoram International University called for more than satellite data alone, emphasizing the need for on‑ground monitoring, though his full comment was cut off in the release.
Key facts
- Suparco counted 105 unfrozen glacial lakes in Pakistan as of 5 August 2026. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- The number rose from 40 unfrozen lakes recorded on 2 July 2026. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Satellite imagery showed a few lakes exceeding their historic maximum extents. (dailytimes.com.pk)
- Suparco warned of increased GLOF risk and advised preparedness in downstream valleys. (dailytimes.com.pk)
Sources
- [1] dailytimes.com.pk — originally reported as “Number of unfrozen lakes in Pakistan grows by 65 in less than two months: Suparco”
