Four climbers have died and six others are feared missing following an avalanche that struck a team led by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja on Pakistan's Broad Peak, one of the tallest mountains in the world. The incident occurred on Thursday on the 8,047-meter (26,400 ft) peak in Karakoram range,prompting immediate search and rescue efforts.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that two of the deceased have been identified as Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung, a Nepali climber. The identities of the other two recovered bodies remain undisclosed as authorities work to confirm them.
Search operations have faced interruptions due to adverse weather conditions, with officials announcing a suspension for the day. Faisal Ehsan Pirzada, the home secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan,stated that operations would resume following day. The Pakistan army has deployed two rescue helicopters equipped with personnel and specialized gear to assist in ongoing efforts.
Among climbers missing are an American, a Chinese national,a Pakistani,an Omani, and six Nepalis, all part of the ten-member international team. Purja, who gained fame for climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just over six months in 2019, was leading the expedition. His team included climbers with significant experience and credentials.
American climber Mallory Geis was also part of the group,having recently expressed excitement on social media about her first major climbing expedition in Pakistan. She was set to climb alongside Sohail Saki, a Pakistani national also reported missing. This expedition marked a significant milestone for both climbers,with Geis aiming to make her mark in high-altitude climbing.
Other notable climbers among the missing include Kili Pemba Sherpa, who has summited Everest 15 times and was part of historic winter expedition on K2 in 2021. He is well-known for guiding double amputee Xia Boyu to the summit of Everest in 2018. Pur Bahadur Gurung, also known as Yukta,is nearing completion of the challenge to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters,certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA).
Broad Peak is notorious for its challenging conditions and has claimed numerous lives since its first successful ascent by an Austrian team in 1957. The mountain is ranked as the 12th highest globally and has seen many climbers face perilous situations. In 2013,it recorded one of its deadliest years, with at least six fatalities.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan has maintained communication with authorities to ensure that all available resources are mobilized swiftly. They expressed solidarity with the families of the climbers and the international mountaineering community during this tragic event. The club stated, "The Club prays for safety and successful rescue of all climbers and stands in solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community during this difficult time."
As the search continues,the mountaineering community remains hopeful for the safe recovery of those missing. The tragic avalanche serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-altitude climbing,particularly on peaks like Broad Peak,where conditions can change rapidly.
