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GLOFCA

Central Asia’s Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Knowledge Hub

A regional knowledge platform of the GLOFCA project, dedicated to disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. From science to action for communities of the region.

Supported by National and International Partners

GLOFCA is implemented in close collaboration with national, regional, and international partners whose expertise strengthens glacier hazard management and supports community-driven resilience across Central Asia’s high mountain regions.

What Are We Doing About GLOFs?

In Central Asia, climate change is accelerating glacier melt, leading to the formation of unstable lakes in high mountain valleys. When these lakes burst, floods can travel far downstream, threatening lives, infrastructure, and economies. Limited monitoring and the abundance of high-risk areas make GLOFs one of the region’s most serious climate-related hazards.

Launched in 2021, the GLOFCA project works to reduce GLOF risks through early warning systems, stronger community preparedness, and regional cooperation. The project is implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty and funded by the Adaptation Fund, covering Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

7 high-risk areas covered
7

The project focuses on seven priority valleys: Esik and Talgar (KZ), Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor (KG), Baralmos Glacier area (TJ), and Pskem and Tepar (UZ).

4 warning and monitoring systems
4

One early warning (or monitoring) system is being installed in each country to improve disaster preparedness and reduce GLOF risk.

More than 100,000 people protected
100K+

The project aims to safeguard vulnerable mountain communities in the pilot areas through locally tailored risk reduction and adaptation measures.

News

Follow the latest updates from the GLOFCA project: from field missions and early warning system installations to national consultations and regional cooperation efforts. 
Event
Kazakhstan
22 August 2025

GLOFCA Knowledge Platform Presented at World Library and Information Congress in Astana

On 20 August 2025, the GLOFCA project was presented during the session “Regional Engagement, Global Impact: Connecting with UNESCO Regional Office in Almaty” at the 89th World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Glacier Lake Outburst Floods
Tajikistan
13 August 2025

Series of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods in Lakhsh District: Another Call to Action

On the evening of 10 August 2025, a powerful mudflow descended in the Archakapa area of Lakhsh District, Tajikistan, originating from a glacier lake on the Said Nafisi Glacier (formerly Baralmos).
Event
Regional
11 August 2025

GLOFCA Contributes to Regional Cryosphere Action Planning in Central Asia

From 6–8 August 2025, the GLOFCA team took part in a subregional workshop at Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyz Republic.

Pilot Projects

In the region’s most vulnerable glacier valleys, GLOFCA works with local communities to assess risks, install early warning systems, and strengthen preparedness. Explore our pilot sites across Central Asia.

Kazakhstan

In the Ile Alatau mountains, GLOFCA supports early warning and engineering measures in the Esik and Talgar river basins, which are home to moraine-dammed lakes threatening communities, infrastructure, and UNESCO-listed heritage.

Kyrgyz Republic

In Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor valleys, GLOFCA monitors unstable glacial lakes, supports local preparedness, and is installing an early warning system to reduce flood risks in high-risk communities.

Uzbekistan

In the Pskem River basin, GLOFCA works to reduce flood and landslide risks from large glacial lakes threatening villages, hydropower, and tourism in Tepar and Pskem.

Tajikistan

In the Saidoi Nasafi (Baralmos) Glacier area, GLOFCA supports risk mapping, community outreach, and the installation of an early warning system. The region has experienced repeated GLOF events, which have damaged roads and other critical infrastructure.

Kazakhstan

In the Ile Alatau mountains, GLOFCA supports early warning and engineering measures in the Esik and Talgar river basins, which are home to moraine-dammed lakes threatening communities, infrastructure, and UNESCO-listed heritage.

Kyrgyz Republic

In Ala-Archa and Ton-Tosor valleys, GLOFCA monitors unstable glacial lakes, supports local preparedness, and is installing an early warning system to reduce flood risks in high-risk communities.

Uzbekistan

In the Pskem River basin, GLOFCA works to reduce flood and landslide risks from large glacial lakes threatening villages, hydropower, and tourism in Tepar and Pskem.

Tajikistan

In the Saidoi Nasafi (Baralmos) Glacier area, GLOFCA supports risk mapping, community outreach, and the installation of an early warning system. The region has experienced repeated GLOF events, which have damaged roads and other critical infrastructure.

Resources & Publications

Access our comprehensive collection of scientific research, policy frameworks, and practical guidelines developed to strengthen regional capacity for GLOF management and community preparedness throughout Central Asia.
Maps and Data Visualization
Regional
13 August 2025

Glacial lake Atlas

Maps and Data Visualization
Kyrgyz Republic
11 August 2025

Atlas of mudflow and flood hazards in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic (EN)

The atlas was compiled with the support of the Country Office of the United Nations World Food Programme in the Kyrgyz Republic (WFP UN) and with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Maps and Data Visualization
Kyrgyz Republic
11 August 2025

Atlas of mudflow and flood hazards in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic (RU)

The atlas was compiled with the support of the Country Office of the United Nations World Food Programme in the Kyrgyz Republic (WFP UN) and with financial support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Pilot sites of the project

Discover our project in action from its inception