Search underway to locate 10 climbers missing after Broad Peak avalanche

A large-scale search operation is underway on Pakistan's Broad Peak for 10 climbers who disappeared following a midday avalanche. Among the missing is Nirmal Purja, a celebrated Nepali mountaineer known for breaking records.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed the group included six Nepalis, one Pakistani, one Omani, one Chinese, and one American climber. The ACP has mobilized two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters, equipped with specialized gear, to aid the ongoing search. Senior club officials are in constant communication with government authorities to facilitate the operation.

"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," stated Karrar Haidri, ACP Senior Vice President. The club is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with all relevant parties, extending solidarity to the families of the missing climbers.

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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.

According to Ayaz Shigri, ACP General Secretary, GPS data suggests the avalanche carried the climbers approximately 1,000 meters downhill, trapping them. Fears also exist that local high-altitude porters may have been affected. "We pray for the safety of all the climbers. It is a big incident," Shigri added.

Nirmal Purja, 43, previously set a record by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in under seven months in 2019. Sohail Sakhi, a strong high-altitude climber from Hunza, had recently summited Kanchenjunga and previously scaled K2 and other major peaks without supplemental oxygen.

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We pray for the safety of all the climbers. It is a big incident.