Gilgit, 01 August (H.S.): Eight members of an international mountaineering expedition who went missing after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak (8,051 metres), the world's 12th-highest mountain in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, have been confirmed dead. Rescue teams have recovered their bodies, while two climbers remain missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing despite severe weather conditions.

According to Pakistani authorities, the avalanche occurred on Thursday afternoon as the 10-member international expedition team was making its final ascent towards the summit. A large-scale rescue operation involving Pakistan Army helicopters, ground rescue teams, and high-altitude rescue personnel is currently underway.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said that four of the recovered bodies have been identified so far. The deceased include Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung. Three of the recovered bodies have been airlifted to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopters.

According to the ACP, the expedition comprised six climbers from Nepal and one each from Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States. The Nepali team included renowned mountaineers Nirmal Purja, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa. The remaining members were Sohail Sakhi of Pakistan, Wang Zhong of China, Mallory Geis of the United States, and Nadhira Al Harthy of Oman.

ACP Secretary General Ayaz Shigri said preliminary GPS data indicates that the avalanche swept the climbers nearly 1,000 metres down the mountain, trapping them in one of its most dangerous sections. Several expedition teams were reportedly attempting to reach the summit at the time of the disaster.

Rescue officials have also expressed concern that several local high-altitude porters working with the expedition teams may have been caught in the avalanche. However, no official confirmation regarding their condition has been issued.

Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and coordinate closely with the Pakistan Army to accelerate the rescue mission.

The tragedy has drawn international attention, particularly because celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja remains unaccounted for. Purja achieved global recognition in 2019 by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just six months and six days, setting a world record. He also played a pivotal role in the first successful winter ascent of K2 (Mount Godwin-Austen) by an all-Nepali team in 2021.

Meanwhile, missing Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi is regarded as one of the country's leading high-altitude mountaineers. A resident of Hunza, Sakhi recently summited Kanchenjunga and had previously climbed K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II without the use of supplemental oxygen.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar