Number of unfrozen lakes in Pakistan grows by 65 in less than 2 months: Suparco

Pakistan's number of unfrozen lakes has surged by 65 in under two months, according to satellite imagery analysis by the national space agency, Suparco. The agency assessed the change between July and August, with the most recent image captured on August 5. The latest count stands at 105 unfrozen lakes, compared to 40 previously reported.

This rapid increase is attributed to rising summer temperatures, as expected. Suparco noted that some of the lakes had grown beyond their recorded maximum extents, indicating larger water bodies than ever before. However, cloud cover after the July report made it difficult to precisely gauge changes in lake size. Suparco emphasized the need for constant vigilance due to the melting glaciers' potential risks.

Glaciologist Dr. Karamat Ali from Karakoram International University stressed the importance of field studies in addition to satellite monitoring, highlighting gaps in data about glacier morphology, microclimates, and summer/winter mass accumulation. Pakistan is home to over 13,000 glaciers, making it a hotspot for potential Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (Glofs), posing significant threats to communities, infrastructure, and services.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination is working with Suparco to monitor and mitigate these risks, but Dr. Ali called for better coordination and more field-based investigations to fully understand the hazards.