Four bodies recovered as search operations continue on Broad Peak, Nirmal Purja among missing
KATHMANDU:- Search and rescue operations are underway in northern Pakistan after a massive avalanche hit an international expedition on Broad Peak, leaving ten mountaineers—including world-renowned climber Nirmal “Nims Dai” Purja—feared missing.
The president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Irfan Arshad Khan, confirmed that ground rescue teams have recovered as many as four bodies from the scene, though official identification of the victims remains ongoing.
The avalanche struck around midday on Thursday at an altitude of approximately 6,600 meters on the world’s 12th highest mountain. Communication with the ten-member team was lost immediately following the slide. The expedition includes five Nepali guides alongside climbers from Pakistan, the United States, China, and Oman.
The Pakistan Army has deployed two aviation helicopters from Skardu to conduct aerial search sweeps and deliver rescue personnel to high-altitude camps. Ground rescue teams and Sherpa climbers from neighboring peaks, including K2, have also mobilized to assist in search efforts.
Meanwhile, satellite tracking data from Purja’s device indicated recent positional movement down the slope, offering a narrow window of hope as search teams race against time.
