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🇳🇵 Nepal /Disasters & Emergencies

Four bodies recovered after avalanche hits Broad Peak; Nirmal Purja among climbers missing

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Four bodies were recovered after an avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Pakistan's Broad Peak.
  • Missing climbers include Nepal-born Nirmal Purja and several Nepali, Pakistani, Chinese, American, and Omani nationals.
  • Search and rescue operations are ongoing, coordinated by the Alpine Club of Pakistan and government authorities.

Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts on Pakistan's 8,047-meter Broad Peak after an avalanche struck an international expedition team on Thursday. Four bodies have been recovered by ground rescue teams, according to Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The identities of the recovered individuals have not yet been confirmed.

A number of climbers remain missing following the incident. Among them is Nepal-born climber and former Royal Marine Nirmal Purja. The missing Nepali climbers include Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, and Nawang Thindu Sherpa. The international team also comprised Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, American climber Mallory Geis, and Omani climber Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy.

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.

— Alpine Club of PakistanA statement from the Alpine Club of Pakistan detailing the coordination of search and rescue operations following the avalanche.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan reported receiving "deeply concerning reports" of the avalanche, which occurred around midday Thursday in the Karakoram mountain range. Major General Khan and the club's senior leadership are actively coordinating with government authorities and relevant agencies to mobilize all available rescue resources, including helicopter support, as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.

The club stated it is closely monitoring the situation and working with all stakeholders involved in the rescue effort. Sangam Prasain, Business Editor at The Kathmandu Post, has been covering tourism, agriculture, mountaineering, aviation, infrastructure, and other economic affairs since joining the publication in October 2009.

deeply concerning reports

— Alpine Club of PakistanThe Alpine Club of Pakistan's initial description of the avalanche incident on Broad Peak.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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