Remains of Missing Individual Unearthed in Glacier Following nearly 30 Years
In a chilling reminder of the effects of climate change, a perfectly preserved mummified body was discovered in a melting glacier in Kohistan, Pakistan, in August 2025. The body, belonging to a man named Naseeruddin, had been missing since June 1997 when he fell into a glacier crevice during a snowstorm[1][2].
The extreme cold, low humidity, lack of oxygen, and absence of scavengers in the glacier led to natural mummification, preserving Naseeruddin's body for nearly 28 years[1]. The receding glacier that revealed the body is a stark sign of accelerated melting of glaciers, directly linked to climate warming trends[1].
This discovery underscores a broader phenomenon where climate change exposes long-buried organic material and relics previously locked in ice, showing how glaciers act as natural cold storage lost with warming. Such findings underscore the direct consequences of changing climatic conditions on glaciers and the potential impacts on historical artifacts and human remains[1].
Naseeruddin went missing during a family dispute while traveling with his brother, Kathiruddin, in the Lady Valley, a remote and mountainous area. Kathiruddin and others searched for Naseeruddin but were unable to find him. The identity of the deceased was confirmed through an identification card found alongside the body, which belonged to a man named Naseeruddin[1].
The discovery raises concerns regarding the impacts of climate change on glacial melt. Experts have observed reduced snowfall in recent years leading to accelerated melting of glaciers in the region[1]. This incident highlights how climate change is reshaping landscapes and revealing forgotten stories from the past.
Naseeruddin's body was discovered intact and with clothes undamaged, a testament to the preservative properties of the glacier[1]. As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, cases like Naseeruddin's serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between preservation and change.
[1] Source: The Guardian, "Perfectly preserved body found in melting glacier raises climate change concerns," August 2025. [2] Source: BBC News, "Missing man found in glacier after 28 years," August 2025.
The discovery of Naseeruddin's perfectly preserved body in a melting glacier is a stark reminder of the direct impacts of climate change on the environment, particularly glaciers, which serve as natural cold storage and preserve organic material. The accelerated melting of glaciers, such as the one in Kohistan, Pakistan, can expose long-buried artifacts and human remains, providing insights into how changing climatic conditions are altering landscapes and unveiling past events.
