"Pakistan Army Helicopters and ground Search and Rescue teams continue to search for climbers caught up in an avalanche on the world's 12th highest mountain Broad Peak, for the 2nd day. Nirmal PurjaAmong the seven still missing from the 10-person expedition on Broad Peak, on the border with China, is renowned Nepal-born climber Nirmal Purja.The operation has expanded with local Pakistani climbers volunteering, together with others from Nepal who have halted their expeditions on nearby K2.Bad weather has been hampering the search. Pakistani officials say the bodies of three climbers have been recovered.They have been named as American Mallory Geis, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal.On Friday, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said several climbers had been spotted by drones but their condition was unknown. The club's secretary general, Ayaz Shigri, said the rescuers were concerned about the risk of further avalanches.Military helicopters are on standby to fly to assist, weather permitting.The search and rescue operation for the team began after reports of an avalanche on Thursday on the 8,047-metre (26,400ft) peak in the Karakoram range.The multinational climbing group was being led by Purja. He is known for climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000m-plus mountains in just over six months in 2019.Purja joined the British Army in 2003 and the Special Boat Service - the special forces unit of the Royal Navy - in 2009.In 2012, he reached the summit of the 6,119m Lobuche East mountain in Nepal - his first peak.In June, Mallory Geis posted on social media that she was ready for "her first big kid climbing expedition in Pakistan".Pur Bahadur Gurung - also known as Yukta - was certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations and close to completing the 14-peaks challenge.Also among the group is Kili Pemba Sherpa Kili, who has so far scaled Everest 15 times. In 2021, he was a member of a historic K2 winter expedition, along with several Nepali climbers including Purja.Broad Peak is regarded as one of the more challenging mountains for climbers. The first successful ascent was in 1957, when an Austrian expedition reached the summit.Since then, many more have climbed the mountain, but dozens have lost their lives.One of Broad Peak's deadliest years was 2013, when at least six fatalities were recorded."
The world is watching closely as Pakistan's Army helicopters and ground search and rescue teams continue their efforts to locate climbers missing after a devastating avalanche on Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain. This tragic incident involves a 10-person expedition, of which seven climbers remain unaccounted for, including the celebrated Nepal-born climber, Nirmal Purja. The avalanche struck on Thursday, prompting a swift mobilization of rescue operations.
Efforts to locate the missing climbers are ongoing, hampered by challenging weather conditions. Despite the obstacles, local Pakistani climbers have come forward to assist, showcasing a spirit of collaboration among the climbing community. Notable figures such as Mallory Geis, a promising climber from the U.S., and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal, who is nearing completion of the 14-peaks challenge, are among those involved in this effort. The Alpine Club of Pakistan reported sightings of climbers via drones, but their health and safety remain uncertain. The recent recovery of three bodies has painted a somber picture of the incident, emphasizing the inherent dangers associated with high-altitude climbing.
This incident has prompted a global response as the climbing community stands united in support. Nepalese climbers have suspended their projects on the nearby K2 to assist in the rescue operations, reflecting the deep camaraderie shared among climbers worldwide. The collaborative effort serves as a testament to the shared commitment towards safety and solidarity in the face of adversity. Military helicopters, on standby, are prepared to assist as soon as the weather conditions improve, signifying the urgency and seriousness with which Pakistani authorities are treating the situation.
As search and rescue teams combat adverse weather to locate the missing, attention turns towards the future of climbing in the region. Broad Peak, renowned for its challenging climbs, is no stranger to tragedy; its first successful ascent in 1957 was followed by numerous fatalities over the decades. The international community must advocate for improved safety protocols and emergency response strategies to mitigate risks in high-altitude climbing. The resilience displayed by local communities and climbers alike serves as an inspiration, and hopefully, this episode can bring about positive change in policies and practices in the climbing world.
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