KATHMANDU: Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nimal Purja is among a group of climbers reported missing after an avalanche struck Pakistan’s Broad Peak.
According to the Pakistan Alpine Club, the avalanche hit a climbing team on Broad Peak, an 8,047-meter mountain in the Karakoram range, around midday on Thursday.
Initial reports indicate that contact has been lost with 10 climbers following the avalanche. The team is said to include climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States, including world-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja.
Purja gained international recognition in 2019 when he completed the ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in a record time of six months and six days.
The Pakistan Alpine Club has expressed serious concern over the incident and said that search and rescue efforts are being intensified in coordination with government authorities and relevant agencies.
According to the club, all available rescue resources, including helicopters, will be mobilized as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.
The club said that communication with the entire team has been lost since the avalanche and that continuous coordination is underway to launch an immediate and effective rescue operation.
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