Avalanche on Broad Peak Leaves Veteran Mountaineer Missing

Search Operations Underway for Missing Climbers

Islamabad/Kathmandu, July 31: Nirmal Purja, a renowned mountaineer from Nepal, is among six climbers unaccounted for following an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak. Rescuers have retrieved four bodies and are continuing their search efforts despite challenging weather conditions, officials reported on Friday.

The group, which included six climbers from Nepal, along with one each from Pakistan, Oman, the USA, and China, went missing around 9 AM local time after the avalanche struck.

Major General Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), confirmed that four bodies have been found during the ongoing rescue operations.

Among the deceased are Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal. The identities of the other two bodies have not yet been officially disclosed.

In addition to Purja and Gurung, the other missing Nepalese climbers include Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa.

The remaining missing climbers are Sohail Sakhi from Pakistan, Wang Zhong from China, and Mallory Geis from the United States.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but adverse weather has hampered efforts, with helicopters facing difficulties in the rugged terrain, according to officials.

The avalanche occurred at an altitude of approximately 7,000 meters on Thursday, sweeping away a team of ten climbers who were attempting to reach the summit, as reported by the ACP.

At 43 years old, Purja is recognized as one of the top high-altitude climbers globally.

A former member of the British Brigade of Gurkhas and the elite Special Boat Service of the Royal Marines, he has achieved numerous mountaineering milestones since transitioning to full-time climbing and expedition guiding.

In 2019, he made headlines by summiting all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in just six months and six days as part of his "Project Possible" initiative.

In 2021, he was part of a team of ten Nepali climbers that successfully completed the first winter ascent of K2.

Khadak Prasad Paudel, Nepal's Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Civil Aviation, expressed his worries regarding the situation and mentioned that the government is in constant communication with Pakistani officials.

"We are deeply concerned about the avalanche and the loss of contact with Nirmal Purja 'Nims Dai' and his fellow climbers from Nepal," Paudel stated in a social media update.

He added, "We are in regular contact with the Pakistani authorities and are receiving updates on the situation. Our thoughts are with the climbers and their families, and we remain hopeful for their safe return."

The ACP reported that two helicopters from the Pakistan Army Aviation are involved in the search and rescue efforts.

GPS signals from some of the missing climbers indicated that the avalanche had pushed the group nearly 1,000 meters downhill, leaving them trapped.

There are also concerns that some local high-altitude porters may have been caught in the avalanche.

The ACP is in continuous contact with government authorities to facilitate the rescue operations.

"Every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilized as soon as conditions allow," the ACP stated.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate has instructed all relevant departments to remain vigilant and expedite the rescue operations in collaboration with the Pakistan Army.

Pakistan's summer climbing season, which lasts from June to August, often experiences avalanches and unpredictable weather, posing significant risks to climbers.

Broad Peak, standing at 8,051 meters, is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is known for being one of the most difficult peaks to conquer.