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Left side - April 5, 2018 .............................................. right side April 1, 2019

These images, acquired by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8, show the position of the glacier and lake on April 1, 2019 (right), compared to April 5, 2018. The ice appears gray because dust, soil, and other debris are piled on top of it.

Generally, ice-dammed lakes like this are unstable and do not last for more than one season; most drain slowly and do not to cause any problems. But sometimes the ice dams collapse suddenly or lake water spills over the dam, causing fast-moving, dangerous floods. Because of this, scientists are conducting frequent ground surveys near Shishpar and analyzing satellite imagery daily.

The glacier’s surge has already had some consequences. One nearby power station went offline due to a lack of incoming water. Also, a key pathway that miners and cattle once used to cross the glacier safely became impassable. In August 2018, that change trapped cattle in summer pastures and prevented miners from reaching a work site, the Pamir Times reported.

This is not the first time that this glacier has surged. Field research and analysis of satellite imagery indicate that Shishpar also surged in 1904-1905, 1972-1976, and 1993-2002.

Is it possible that a worldwide governmental body failed in its duty to review a long standing potential disaster, and warn these burghs' fair citizens that its getting warm in the mountain kinda early? The entire United nations!

Nah, that's as silly as the US Forest Service proscribing a fence built to protect mice, and catching a large bit of New Mexico on fire.

The Shisper Glacier started discharging 5,000 cusecs of water owing to premature melting.

Premature according to what? Is there some time line cast in stone in an Egyptian pyramid that they have yet to show us?

I guess there must be because I can't think of a time when this has happened before. /s

FM Bilawal concerned over rapid melting of glaciers

Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that rapid melting of glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter of concern.

In his statement on the flood situation in Gilgit, he said that the situation created by the eruption of the lake on the Shisper Glacier needs to be dealt with on an urgent basis to ensure that no harm is done to the local population and the land routes remain open.

Bilawal went on to say that he hopes(?) the administration will ensure that ordinary people and tourists do not face any difficulties.

The foreign minister further said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan will not be left alone by the PPP in difficult times.

The PPP chairman added that the rapid melting of glaciers is a matter of concern adding that collective and concerted efforts on the issue of climate change are a necessity.

Yep, when in doubt blame it on climate change ... lots better than asking what happened to the money already budgeted to track such annual melting.