Ten Climbers Feared Missing After Avalanche Strikes Broad Peak Expedition in Pakistan
An avalanche has left ten international climbers, led by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, missing on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Efforts are underway to locate the expedition team.
POLICY WIRE — Islamabad, Pakistan — Ten international climbers, led by renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, are feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains in northern Pakistan. The Alpine Club of Pakistan received initial reports that the avalanche hit the expedition team, which has been out of communication since the incident.
Karrar Haidri, vice-president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, stated in a late Thursday release that the team had not been in contact since the avalanche. The expedition included five Nepalese climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, — and other international climbers.
Efforts are currently underway to assess the situation — and launch a rescue operation. The exact conditions on the mountain — and the status of the climbers remain unclear. Authorities are coordinating with local and international mountaineering agencies to gather more information and plan the next steps.
Nirmal Purja, known for his record-breaking attempts to climb all 14 of the world’s eight-thousanders, was leading the expedition. His previous feats have garnered significant attention in the mountaineering community.
The incident has prompted an immediate response from mountaineering organizations worldwide, with many expressing concern and offering assistance in the rescue efforts.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)