KATHMANDU: A photograph showing the expedition team led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) shortly before they were caught in a deadly avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak has surfaced and is widely circulating on social media.
The avalanche struck Broad Peak (8,047 metres), the world’s 12th-highest mountain, on July 30, as the climbers were making their ascent in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range.
The image, reportedly taken from the base camp, shows the expedition team making its way toward the mountain moments before a massive avalanche descended from above.
A video accompanying the image captures a woman expressing concern, saying, “Oh my God, I hope the avalanche doesn’t reach us,” before another person responds that it would not.
On Saturday, Elite Exped, the company managing Purja’s expedition, confirmed the deaths of all members of the climbing team, including Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), rescue teams recovered Purja’s body at an altitude of around 5,700 metres above sea level. The club said three additional bodies were also located at the site, although their identities have yet to be confirmed.
The ACP said efforts are underway to transport the recovered bodies to the Japanese Camp, noting that rescue operations remain extremely challenging due to the difficult terrain, avalanche risk and adverse weather conditions.
Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reported that authorities have urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information until official confirmation is available. ACP Secretary General Ayaz Shigri said rescue teams had advanced towards the base camp area and were continuing search and recovery efforts on foot, as helicopters could not be deployed because of the hazardous conditions.
According to the ACP, an eight-member rescue team comprising Pakistani and Nepali climbers reached Camp I before 9 am on Sunday and has continued search and body recovery operations under extremely difficult conditions.
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