Broad Peak Avalanche: Rescue Underway for Missing Climbers, Including Nirmal Purja

A desperate rescue operation is unfolding on Pakistan's Broad Peak after an avalanche swept through an international climbing team. Four bodies have been recovered so far, with several climbers, including Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as "Nims Dai," still missing.

Pakistan has deployed helicopters, drones, and ground teams to scour the treacherous terrain. Nepal's ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital, confirmed that rescue teams and equipment were dispatched from Skardu, emphasizing the use of helicopters and drones for aerial surveillance. Ground teams have also reached the affected area, and the Alpine Club of Pakistan is coordinating with authorities to mobilize all available resources, "subject to weather and operational conditions."

“

Every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity, subject to weather and operational conditions.

The avalanche struck the team around midday on Thursday on Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, known for its challenging expeditions. The recovery of bodies during an overland rescue effort was hampered by initial poor weather that grounded helicopter flights. Officials note that rescue operations in Pakistan can be more time-consuming than in Nepal due to military control over helicopter operations requiring multiple clearances.

Nirmal Purja, a celebrated figure in the mountaineering world, gained international fame in 2019 for summiting all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in a record-breaking six months. His prior service in the British Army and Royal Marines preceded his professional climbing career. The chances of finding the remaining missing climbers alive diminish with each passing hour.

“

The chances of finding missing climbers alive were becoming increasingly difficult with time.