The search for missing mountaineers continues in the aftermath of a devastating avalanche on Broad Peak. Ten climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, went missing after an avalanche struck around midday yesterday.
A team of six Nepalese climbers, along with one from Pakistan, Omani, American, and Chinese nationals, were identified as the missing individuals. The remaining five climbers have not been accounted for yet. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has confirmed that all ten climbers are believed to be trapped in a remote area.
The search operation is being led by two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialized equipment. ACP Senior Vice President Karrar Haidri stated that the club’s senior leadership remained in constant contact with government authorities, relevant agencies, and other stakeholders to facilitate the rescue operation.
GPS locations received from some of the missing climbers indicated that the avalanche had swept them about 1,000 meters downhill, leaving them trapped. Helicopter-assisted rescue operations are expected to begin on Friday morning, with fears that local high-altitude porters may have been affected by the avalanche.
The search for the missing climbers is ongoing, and authorities are urging all relevant departments to remain on high alert and expedite the operation in coordination with the Pakistan Army. The Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister has directed district administration and concerned authorities to utilize available resources to ensure the safety of the climbers.
Nirmal Purja, 43, a renowned mountaineer who broke multiple climbing records since becoming a full-time tour guide, is among those missing. He climbed all 14 eight-thousanders (peaks above 8,000 meters) in six months and six days between April and October 2019 – then a record.
Sohail Sakhi, also from Hunza, had successfully summited Kanchenjunga earlier this month but is among the missing. He previously scaled other high-altitude mountains without supplemental oxygen, establishing himself as one of Nepal’s strongest climbers.
The search for the missing mountaineers continues with hopes that they will be rescued safely and returned to their families soon.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
