Nirmal Purja among 10 climbers missing after avalanche on Broad Peak, tracking device shows movement

Ten climbers, including celebrated mountaineer Nirmal Purja, are feared missing after a powerful avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistani authorities have lost contact with the expedition since the incident.

However, a glimmer of hope has emerged as a tracking device belonging to Purja, also known as "Nims Dai," has shown continued movement. His business partner, Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, who is also a member of Nepal’s House of Representatives, stated that data from the device indicated a change in Purja's location after the avalanche. "Initially, it appeared that he had been swept downhill by the avalanche," Sherpa said. "But after the point where the tracking had stopped, the location appears to have shifted again."

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Initially, it appeared that he had been swept downhill by the avalanche. But after the point where the tracking had stopped, the location appears to have shifted again.

While Sherpa cautioned that the tracking data alone cannot confirm Purja's condition, it suggests some level of activity. The climbing team reportedly includes climbers from the United States, China, Oman, and Nepal, in addition to Purja. Several international expedition companies were operating on the mountain during the ongoing climbing season.

Rescue operations are being hampered by poor weather, which has prevented helicopters from taking off. Ground searches have commenced from base camp, with one team heading towards the suspected avalanche site to verify reports of a climber's location near the mountain's base. Authorities are prepared to deploy helicopters as soon as weather conditions improve.

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The helicopters could not fly because of the weather. We have been told preparations are under way this morning, depending on conditions. They may be able to take off shortly.