Nirmal Purja among 10 climbers feared missing after Broad Peak avalanche

A team of 10 international climbers, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, is feared missing after a powerful avalanche struck Pakistan's Broad Peak on Thursday. The 8,047-meter mountain, located in the Karakoram range, was hit around midday local time. Pakistani mountaineering officials confirmed there has been no communication with the expedition since the incident.

The climbing team comprises climbers from various nationalities, including an American, a Chinese national, an Omani, five Nepali climbers, and Purja himself. The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated that authorities are working to arrange a helicopter rescue operation for Friday morning, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. The club expressed solidarity with the families of the missing climbers and the broader international mountaineering community.

“

authorities were coordinating efforts to arrange a helicopter rescue on Friday morning, subject to weather conditions.

Broad Peak is known as one of the most technically challenging mountains for expeditions worldwide. Purja, who previously served in the British Army and Royal Marines, gained international recognition in 2019 for setting a world record by climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in just over six months. His mountaineering journey began in 2012, leading him to summit Everest unexpectedly.

“

it had remained in constant contact with authorities to ensure that all available resources were mobilised as quickly as possible. The club also expressed hope for the climbers' safe rescue and solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community.