Kathmandu, July 31 — A 10-member international mountaineering team led by Nepali climber Nirmal Purja has gone missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range, officials said.
According to the BBC, the avalanche occurred around midday on Thursday on the 8,047-meter Broad Peak. Pakistani mountaineering authorities said contact with the expedition was lost shortly after the avalanche.
The team includes one American, one Chinese, one Omani, and five Nepali climbers. Purja, who is leading the expedition, made history in 2019 by becoming the fastest person to climb all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters, completing the feat in just over six months.
Officials said search and rescue operations will begin by helicopter once weather conditions permit. Preparations for the rescue are underway, but poor weather has so far prevented an immediate response.
Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, is considered one of the most demanding and technically challenging peaks for mountaineers.
In a statement, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said it is coordinating closely with government agencies to launch an urgent search and rescue mission. The organization said every effort is being made to deploy helicopters and all available resources as quickly as possible.
The club also expressed hope for the safe rescue of all missing climbers and conveyed its support to their families and the global mountaineering community during this difficult time.
Purja joined the British Army in 2003 before becoming a Royal Marine in 2009. His interest in mountaineering began during a trek to Everest Base Camp in 2012. Although he had initially planned to return from the base camp, he changed his mind and successfully climbed Mount Everest. Since then, he has become one of the most recognized figures in the mountaineering world.
A Message from Everest Hikes
The Everest Hikes family is deeply saddened by this heartbreaking news. Our thoughts are with Nirmal Purja, every member of the expedition, their families, friends, and the rescue teams working in extremely challenging conditions.
As members of Nepal’s trekking and mountaineering community, we understand how moments like these are felt far beyond the mountains. They remind us of both the extraordinary courage of climbers and the risks that accompany high-altitude expeditions.
We sincerely hope the weather improves soon, allowing search and rescue teams to carry out their mission safely and without delay. We pray that every member of the expedition is found safe and reunited with their loved ones.
The global mountaineering community stands together in hope during this difficult time.
Photo source: https://www.nimsdai.com/post/what-is-project-possible
