A devastating avalanche struck a group of four experienced mountaineers on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region earlier today. The incident occurred around midday, leaving the survivors stranded at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed that the team consisted of six Nepalese climbers and one Pakistani climber, including renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Sohail Sakhi, who went missing on Broad Peak a day earlier after an avalanche struck around midday. The remaining climbers were identified as Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman, Sakhi from Pakistan, Wang Zhong from China, Mallory Geis from the United States.
The search operation is ongoing, with rescue helicopters carrying personnel and specialized equipment dispatched to support the effort. ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad stated that four bodies had been found, including two of the dead: Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung.
The search operation is being closely monitored by the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), which has expressed solidarity with the climbers’ families and the international mountaineering community. ACP Senior Vice President Karrar Haidri stated that two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters, carrying rescue personnel and additional specialized equipment, had been dispatched to support the ongoing search and rescue operation.
The incident is believed to have occurred when a large avalanche swept through the group at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters. The survivors were trapped in the area and are currently being assisted by local high-altitude porters who may also be affected by the avalanche.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and expedite the search and rescue operation in coordination with the Pakistan Army. He instructed the district administration and concerned authorities to utilize all available resources to ensure the climbers’ safety.
The incident is a significant reminder of the risks faced by mountaineers, particularly those who venture into remote and challenging terrain. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has expressed hope that the missing climbers would be found safe and are working tirelessly to locate them.
As the search operation continues, it remains to be seen whether any further updates will be provided regarding the status of the survivors or the fate of the deceased.
Based on reporting from Dawn.
