Search Teams Return to Dangerous High-Altitude Zone
Pakistani rescue teams resumed their search on Saturday after a powerful avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Broad Peak.
The avalanche hit the team on Thursday while its members were climbing between the mountain’s second and third camps. Authorities said the group was at an altitude of around 6,600 metres when the disaster occurred.
The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China. Celebrated British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja was leading the team.
Purja remains among those unaccounted for. He has not been identified among the bodies recovered from the mountain.
The rescue operation was temporarily disrupted on Friday because of poor visibility, unstable weather and dangerous conditions. Ground teams remained at base camp overnight before continuing the mission.
Pakistan Army helicopters, local high-altitude climbers and specialist rescuers are participating in the operation.
Authorities initially confirmed the recovery of three bodies. Later reports said four bodies had been recovered, leaving at least six climbers missing. The figures have continued to change as teams inspect the avalanche zone.
Three Victims Formally Identified
Among the identified victims are American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy and Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung.
Their bodies were transported by helicopter for formal identification and further procedures.
Officials said drone footage had shown additional bodies or climbers in the affected area. However, rescuers had not immediately been able to reach every location because of the steep terrain and severe weather.
The condition and identities of those seen in the drone images remained unclear.
Tracking information reportedly indicated that members of the expedition were swept hundreds of metres down the mountainside.
The force of the avalanche and the length of time spent at extreme altitude have reduced hopes of finding survivors. However, rescuers are continuing the operation.
Military helicopters have been searching from the air whenever weather conditions allow. Experienced climbers are also approaching the site through difficult mountain routes.
The operation remains extremely dangerous because of unstable snow, freezing temperatures and the possibility of further avalanches.
Nirmal Purja Was Pursuing Historic Climbing Record
Purja, widely known as Nims, is one of the world’s most recognised high-altitude mountaineers.
Before the expedition, he said he was close to becoming the first climber to summit all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres twice without supplementary oxygen.
Purja previously served with the Brigade of Gurkhas and Britain’s Royal Marines before becoming a professional climber.
He gained international recognition after climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in six months and six days in 2019.
Purja also helped lead the first successful winter ascent of K2 in January 2021.
Tracking data associated with Purja reportedly showed a rapid fall after the avalanche. Later movement recorded by the device briefly raised hopes that he might still be alive, although authorities have not confirmed his condition.
Broad Peak stands more than 8,000 metres above sea level in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.
It is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and is considered one of the most demanding peaks for high-altitude climbers.
The mountain was first successfully climbed by an Austrian expedition in 1957.
Broad Peak’s steep routes, unpredictable weather and avalanche risks have caused several fatal accidents over the years.
Officials said the search would continue as long as weather and mountain conditions allowed rescue personnel to operate safely.
