Stuck in Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) Upper Chitral.Pakistan 02-07-2022

Stuck in Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) Upper Chitral.Pakistan.
Mastuj to Shandur road.Harchin village.Shaidas Village.
A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) is a type of outburst flood caused by the failure of a dam containing a glacial lake. An event similar to a GLOF, where a body of water contained by a glacier melts or overflows the glacier, is called a jökulhlaup. The dam can consist of glacier ice or a terminal moraine. Failure can happen due to erosion, a buildup of water pressure, an avalanche of rock or heavy snow, an earthquake or cryoseism, volcanic eruptions under the ice, or massive displacement of water in a glacial lake when a large portion of an adjacent glacier collapses into it.
Increasing glacial melting because of climate change, alongside other environmental effects of climate change (i.e permafrost melting) mean that regions with glaciers are likely to see increased flooding risks from GLOF. This is especially true in the Himalayas where geologies are more active.
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Global Warming in Pakistan
Pakistan, home to some of the world's highest mountain ranges, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, with glacial retreat and the formation of glacial lakes being key concerns. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are a serious threat to the region, and their frequency and intensity are exacerbated by the ongoing process of global warming.
1. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):
Glacial lakes form as glaciers melt and retreat. These lakes are often dammed by ice or moraine, creating a delicate balance. However, rising temperatures due to global warming accelerate glacial melt, increasing the volume of water in these lakes. The pressure on the natural dams also rises, making them more susceptible to failure. If a dam fails, it can result in a sudden release of massive amounts of water downstream, causing a GLOF.
Pakistan has experienced several GLOFs in recent decades. One notable event occurred in 2005 when the Shimshal Lake in the Karakoram Range burst, causing downstream flooding and damage to infrastructure. The potential for such events is expected to rise as global temperatures continue to climb.
2. Global Warming in Pakistan:
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Pakistan, like many other countries, is witnessing the impacts of this phenomenon.
In Pakistan, rising temperatures contribute to the melting of glaciers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. These glaciers are a crucial source of freshwater for the country, feeding into major rivers like the Indus. The accelerated glacial melt not only contributes to GLOFs but also affects water availability for agriculture, drinking, and energy production.
3. Impacts on Water Resources:
The Indus River is a lifeline for Pakistan, providing water for agriculture, which is the backbone of the country's economy. Changes in the glacial dynamics and increased temperatures directly impact the flow of these rivers. Irregular water supply patterns and an increased risk of GLOFs disrupt not only the agriculture sector but also pose threats to human settlements along riverbanks.
4. Adaptation and Mitigation:
Adapting to these changes and mitigating their impacts require a multi-faceted approach. This includes early warning systems for GLOFs, improved infrastructure to withstand floods, and sustainable water management practices.
On a broader scale, global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential to slow down the rate of global warming. Pakistan, like other nations, should invest in renewable energy sources, afforestation projects, and sustainable development practices to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, the combination of GLOFs and global warming poses significant challenges to Pakistan. Addressing these challenges requires both local and global efforts to adapt to the changing climate and mitigate the factors contributing to these issues. The consequences of inaction are not only environmental but also economic and social, affecting the livelihoods and well-being of the people in this region.