On June 14, 2025, due to rising air temperatures, the glacial lakes of the Said Nafisi (Baralmos) glacier in the Lakhsh district burst, leading to flooding and an increase in the water level of the Surkhob River.
According to regional staff of the Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan in Lakhsh district, the glacial lake outburst (located at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level) was recorded at 9:00 a.m. and continued until 2:00 p.m. As a result of the flooding, the pedestrian bridge of Sugati village in Lakhsh district was completely destroyed. Fortunately, no serious damages were reported.
It is worth noting that the outburst of these glacial lakes and the formation of the mudflow were predicted by specialists from the Center for Research of Glaciers of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. In order to reduce potential human, material, and economic losses, useful recommendations were provided to the downstream population.
The Glacier of Said Nafisi receives nourishment from the northern part of the Pyotr I mountain range at an altitude of 5,100 meters above sea level, and its tongue located at an altitude of 3,498 meters above sea level.
This glacier is a third-category valley glacier and, depending on its slope and configuration, contains more than 15 small and large glacial lakes, which have been continuously draining during the summer season over the past few years.
The Center for Research of Glaciers of the NAST has been continuously monitoring the condition of this glacier and its glacial lakes and is planning to conduct a comprehensive expedition along this route shortly, involving representatives from the relevant authorities.
It should be noted that glacial lakes not only breach due to rainfall but also as a result of high temperatures in the summer season, causing floods to occur.
