GILGIT – An avalanche has struck Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, raising fears that around 10 climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, are missing after contact with the group was lost for several hours.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that the avalanche occurred on Thursday afternoon while a group of climbers was on Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 metres. According to initial reports, communication with all members of the team has been lost since the incident.
The Alpine Club said the affected expedition included five Nepali climbers led by internationally known mountaineer Purja. The team also included Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, Omani climber Nazirah, American climber Mallory Gass, Chinese climber Mr. Wang, and another foreign climber.
The club’s President, Major General Irfan Arshad, and senior officials are in contact with government authorities and relevant agencies to coordinate an immediate search and rescue operation.
According to the Alpine Club, every effort is being made to deploy helicopters and other available rescue resources as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.
Sources at Broad Peak Base Camp have also appealed for an urgent helicopter rescue mission.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with all relevant authorities. It expressed hope for the safe recovery of the missing climbers and said further updates would be released as more information becomes available.
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram mountain range near K2, rises 8,047 metres above sea level and is regarded as one of the world’s most challenging mountains for climbers.
