At least two climbers have been confirmed dead and renowned Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among 10 people reported missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range. Search and rescue operations are underway, although poor weather has hampered helicopter efforts.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the deaths of Nadhira Al Harthy of Oman and Nepalese climber Pur Bahadur Gurung, also known as Yukta. Nadhira’s body has been recovered and transported to Skardu, while arrangements are being made to bring back Gurung’s remains.
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Nirmal Purja among those missing
According to local mountaineering authorities, the avalanche hit on Thursday as the expedition team was moving between Camp 2 and Camp 3 during a summit push. Nine climbers along with Nirmal Purja were reported missing following the incident, and there has been no communication from the group since then.
Rescue teams have faced difficulties because of adverse weather conditions in the region, delaying helicopter operations. However, reports of movement from Purja’s tracking device have offered a glimmer of hope to rescuers and family members.
Who is Nirmal Purja?
Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nimsdai, is one of the world’s most celebrated mountaineers and co-founder of Elite Exped, a company specialising in high-altitude expeditions. A former member of the Gorkha regiment and the UK’s Special Boat Service, Purja gained global recognition for setting multiple climbing records.
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Friends and members of the mountaineering community remain hopeful. According to those close to him, Purja was attempting to become the first person to complete all 8,000-metre peaks three times.
Broad Peak, standing at 8,051 metres, is located in the Karakoram Range near K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Avalanches in the region are considered among the most dangerous hazards faced by climbers attempting the peak.
FAQs:
Who are the climbers confirmed dead in the Pakistan avalanche?
The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the deaths of Oman’s Nadhira Al Harthy and Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung.
Why is Nirmal Purja widely known in the mountaineering world?
Nirmal Purja, also known as Nimsdai, is a record-breaking Nepalese mountaineer and former UK Special Forces soldier renowned for multiple high-altitude climbing achievements.
