GILGIT: Searchers have found four bodies of missing climbers after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. Search efforts continue to locate missing climbers _ including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi.
The avalanche hit around midday on Thursday during a summit push involving a 10-member international expedition. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed the team included six Nepalese climbers, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American, and one Chinese climber.
ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad confirmed that rescuers recovered four bodies. He identified two victims as Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung. Climber Purja, 43, gained global recognition after climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days during 2019. Sohail Sakhi, from Hunza, recently summited Kanchenjunga and previously climbed K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II without supplemental oxygen.
Rescue teams intensify search operation
Earlier, the ACP announced that two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialised equipment had joined the operation. However, officials said weather and operational conditions could affect aerial missions.
Meanwhile, ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said GPS data indicated the avalanche swept the climbers nearly 1,000 metres downhill. He also warned that several local high-altitude porters might have been caught in the avalanche.
Furthermore, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert. He ordered authorities to use every available resource in coordination with the Pakistan Army.
Experienced climbers among the missing
Tourism Minister Naiknam Karim expressed a deep shock over the tragic incident. He urged the searchers to accelerate operations with full logistical support to recover missing climbers.
