KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of climbers caught in an avalanche while ascending Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, in Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the avalanche struck on July 30 (Shrawan 14) as climbers were making their way from Camp II to Camp III. The ministry described the tragedy as an irreparable loss to the mountaineering community.
The ministry paid tribute to renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) and fellow Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung (Yukta), Kili Pemba Sherpa (Kilu), Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa, as well as members of the international expedition team who also lost their lives.
According to the ministry, search and rescue efforts were intensified immediately after reports emerged that the expedition team, which included Nepali climbers, had gone missing. It commended both Pakistani authorities and Nepali rescue teams for their courageous efforts in carrying out search operations under challenging high-altitude conditions.
The ministry said the bodies of Pur Bahadur Gurung and Gyalu Sherpa have been recovered, while search operations for the remaining victims are continuing.
It also stated that the Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad is facilitating the repatriation of the deceased Nepali climbers’ bodies. The government extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to the climbers who lost their lives.
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