Rescuers have found four bodies while searching for 10 climbers missing after an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak. The search for the remaining six climbers continues despite challenging weather conditions affecting helicopter flights.
Senior government officials stated that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the bodies, though they have not disclosed any identities yet. The severe weather has been an obstacle in the rescue operation, according to Gilgit-Baltistan region’s Chief Minister, Amjad Hussain.
The climbers lost contact with their base after the avalanche. Karrar Haidri, vice president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, mentioned that the team has been uncommunicative since Thursday and that army helicopters are participating in the search-and-rescue operation.
The challenging terrain includes K2, the world’s second tallest mountain, and Broad Peak, which is 8,051 meters (26,401 feet) high and the 12th-highest globally. Both are part of the Karakoram range in Pakistan.
The Alpine Club detailed the expedition team, including five Nepali climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, and others such as Omani Nathira, American Mallory Geis, Chinese climber Wang, and another foreign climber.
China’s government is investigating whether any of its nationals are among the missing climbers. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, stated that China is prepared to assist its citizens and coordinate with Pakistan as needed.
The expedition was led by Nirmal Purja, a renowned mountaineer known for climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in record time. Purja’s achievement featured in a documentary on Netflix.
Moving Mountains, a Pakistan-based travel company, mentioned the climbers were headed to Askole last month. This climb marked Geis’ initial attempt at an 8,000-meter peak in Pakistan, whereas it was anticipated to be Sakhi’s last.
Sakhi is a guide for Moving Mountains and a geographer, having scaled various formidable peaks. Geis, residing in San Antonio, mentioned she was embarking on this adventure after making significant life changes.
Broad Peak’s allure brings climbers from all over due to its challenging conditions, leading to frequent accidents during expeditions.
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