Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is feared missing after a massive avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
The Nepal-born climber, who earned international recognition in 2019 for scaling all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 metres in just over six months, was part of a climbing team caught in the avalanche around noon on Thursday.
In a statement, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said it had received “deeply concerning reports” of the incident and confirmed that the team had lost communication following the avalanche.
Broad Peak, which rises to 8,047 metres, is one of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders and is located in the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan.
According to initial reports, the expedition comprised 10 climbers from Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States, in addition to Purja.
The Alpine Club said it was coordinating with the country’s highest authorities and relevant agencies to facilitate an immediate search and rescue operation.
Rescue efforts are being organised, with authorities working to deploy helicopters and other available resources, subject to weather and operational conditions.
No further details on the condition or whereabouts of the climbers were immediately available.
-ANI
