Broad Peak avalanche kills four as six climbers remain missing

Four bodies recovered after avalanche

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), rescue teams recovered four bodies during search operations on Friday.

ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad confirmed that two of the victims have been identified as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung.

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of the remaining two victims. Six climbers remain missing, and rescue teams continue searching in the hope of locating them.

An international team was caught in the disaster

The 10-member expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States.

According to the ACP, the missing team included renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as “Nims Dai,” along with fellow Nepali climbers Kili Pemba Sherpa, “Kilu,” Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa.

The expedition also included Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, American climber Mallory Geis and Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy. The incident has drawn international attention because of the multinational composition of the climbing team.

Rescue helicopters continue search

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialised equipment were dispatched to support the ongoing operation. Officials said helicopter operations depend heavily on weather conditions, visibility, and wind speed in the high mountains.

Ground rescue teams are also searching avalanche-hit areas despite extremely challenging conditions. The ACP said it remains in close coordination with government departments and rescue agencies to ensure that all available resources are being utilised.

An avalanche swept climbers downhill

ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said GPS data received from some of the missing climbers indicated that the avalanche swept the team nearly 1,000 metres downhill.

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He said several climbing expeditions had begun their summit push together before the avalanche struck. Shigri also expressed concern that some local high-altitude porters may have been caught in the avalanche.

“We pray for the safety of all the climbers. It is a big incident,” he said.

Government speeds up rescue efforts

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and accelerate rescue operations.

He instructed local authorities to coordinate closely with the Pakistan Army and utilise every available resource to support the search mission. Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Tourism, Sports, and Culture Naiknam Karim also expressed sorrow over the tragedy.

He said all relevant departments are working together and providing logistical and operational support to rescue teams in the field. Officials said the rescue operation will continue until every missing climber is located.

Nims Dai among the world’s best-known climbers

The missing climbers include Nirmal Purja, better known as “Nims Dai,” one of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers.

The 43-year-old former British Army Gurkha gained worldwide recognition after climbing all 14 mountains higher than 8,000 metres in just six months and six days in 2019, setting a world record at the time.

In 2021, he also became part of the first all-Nepali team to complete the first winter ascent of K2, one of the world’s most dangerous mountains. His achievements have made him one of the most respected names in international mountaineering.

Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi is also among the missing

Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, who belongs to Hunza, is also among those missing.

Earlier this year, he successfully summited Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. He has previously climbed K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II without supplemental oxygen, earning recognition as one of Pakistan’s strongest high-altitude climbers.

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His disappearance has deeply concerned Pakistan’s mountaineering community.

Broad Peak remains one of the world’s toughest climbs

Broad Peak, standing at 8,047 metres, is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and is located near K2 in the Karakoram Range.

Although it is considered less technically demanding than some other 8,000-metre peaks, it remains highly vulnerable to avalanches, sudden weather changes, and extreme altitude. The mountain attracts experienced climbers from around the world every climbing season.

Rescue operation remains the top priority

Rescue teams continue searching for the missing climbers despite the dangerous conditions. Authorities said every available resource is being utilised, but weather conditions remain a major challenge for both aerial and ground rescue operations.

Officials have urged the public to rely only on verified information as the rescue mission continues.