Observations of glacial changes in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) region reveal significant glacier retreat, particularly in Pakistan. These glaciers melt because of climate change, and lakes form near their terminus. However, the situation worsens as the number and volume of these lakes increases, resulting in disasters. This study used satellite imageries from Landsat and Sentinel 2, and ALOS 30 m DEM, to analyze the areal and volumetric expansion of glacial lake, formed by the blockade of Mochuwar Glacier by terminus of Shishper Glacier at the point of confluence. This terminus extends further downstream and have been the cause of several GLOF events in past. The Shishper Glacier has recently had many surges, the most recent of which occurred in 2022, 2020, 2019 and 2018. HEC-RAS 2D model was used to reproduce the Shishper glacier lake outburst flooding (GLOF2022) and to investigate reasons behind the collapsed Hassan Abad Bridge. To safeguard the infrastructures, and the exposed community, it is vitally important to conduct proper monitoring and assessment of each glacier and glacier lakes. The GLOF risk associated with Shishper glacier can be significantly reduced by implementing an early warning system and releasing the glacial lake volume steadily. The results of the proposed study will support GLOF risk management throughout the country.
