An avalanche struck Broad Peak, an 8,047-metre mountain in Pakistan's Karakoram range, on July 30, resulting in the deaths of four climbers and leaving six others unaccounted for.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) is leading the search and rescue operations, coordinating with government agencies to mobilize all available resources.
Among the confirmed fatalities are Nadhira Al Harthy from Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal. Two additional bodies have been recovered, though their identities remain unconfirmed.
The climbers were part of a multinational expedition headed by renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja. The team included members from Pakistan, China, the United States, and Nepal, many of whom are highly accomplished in high-altitude climbing.
Notable Climbers in the Expedition
- Nadhira Al Harthy: First Omani woman to summit Mount Everest and K2, with successful ascents of Manaslu and Nanga Parbat.
- Pur Bahadur Gurung: An International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations-certified guide nearing completion of climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres.
- Kili Pemba Sherpa: Veteran Nepali climber with 15 Everest summits and part of the first all-Nepali winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
- Nirmal Purja: Gained global recognition for climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months in 2019.
Broad Peak is the world’s 12th highest mountain and is considered one of the most technically challenging peaks above 8,000 metres. It has historically attracted elite climbers but has also been the site of numerous fatalities.
