A renowned Nepalese mountaineer, Nirmal Purja, and nine other international climbers are missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world's highest mountains in northern Pakistan. The incident occurred after the team, led by Purja, was hit by an avalanche, and they have been out of communication since then, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The club received initial reports of the avalanche and has been trying to facilitate a search-and-rescue operation.
The missing climbers include five Nepalese climbers, a Pakistani mountaineer, an Omani climber, an American climber, a Chinese climber, and another foreign climber, as stated by Karrar Haidri, the club's Vice President. Nirmal Purja, also known as Nims Dai, is a Nepal-born British citizen who holds the record for the fastest climb of the world's 14 highest peaks in 189 days in 2019. The club is working to mobilize helicopters and other rescue resources, subject to weather and operational conditions.
The incident highlights the risks and challenges associated with high-altitude climbing in the world's most rugged mountain ranges. Broad Peak is one of the world's highest mountains, and avalanches are a significant threat to climbers in the region.