GILGIT — A devastating avalanche on Broad Peak has claimed the lives of eight climbers, with rescue officials confirming the recovery of their bodies, while a desperate search continues for two others missing on the world’s 12th highest mountain. The disaster has sent shockwaves through the global mountaineering community, particularly due to the unaccounted status of celebrated Nepalese climber Nirmal Purja.
The avalanche struck around midday on Thursday, engulfing a 10-member expedition team as they made their ascent on the 8,051-metre peak. Rescue officials and expedition organizers immediately launched an extensive search involving helicopters, ground teams, and high-altitude rescue personnel. However, severe weather conditions have emerged as a major obstacle, hampering the already complex operation.
Bodies Recovered and Identified
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed that four bodies had been retrieved during the ongoing operation. Three of these were transferred to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopters. ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad identified two of the deceased as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepalese mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung. The identities of the remaining two victims have not yet been officially disclosed.According to the ACP, the expedition was a diverse international team. It comprised six climbers from Nepal, including the renowned Nirmal Purja, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa. The other members were Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, Wang Zhong of China, Mallory Geis from the United States, and Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy.
Search Operation Battles the Elements
>The Pakistan Army has deployed two aviation helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialized equipment to support the operation. The ACP stated that rescue efforts are being coordinated with government agencies, the Pakistan Army, and local authorities, with all movements strictly dependent on weather and flying conditions.
ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri provided a grim assessment, explaining that preliminary GPS data from some of the missing climbers suggested the avalanche swept the group nearly 1,000 metres downhill. Survivors are believed to be trapped across a difficult and treacherous section of the mountain. Shigri added that several expedition teams had been making a coordinated summit push the avalanche was triggered. Rescue officials also expressed fears that local high-altitude porters working with the teams may have been caught in the slide, though their status remains unconfirmed.
International Mountaineering Stars Unaccounted For
The incident has drawn intense international attention due to the presence of Nirmal Purja, who remains among the missing. Purja, a former member of Britain’s Brigade of Gurkhas and the Royal Marines’ Special Boat Service, is a legend in the mountaineering world. He gained global fame after climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record-shattering six months and six days in 2019. In 2021, he was part of the first successful winter ascent of K2 alongside an all-Nepalese team.
Also missing is Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, one of his country’s most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers. Hailing from Hunza, Sakhi recently summited Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, and previously climbed K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II without the aid of supplemental oxygen.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and expedite rescue efforts in coordination with the Pakistan Army, as the window for finding survivors narrows.
