Kathmandu, Shrawan 15 – After a major avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan, two bodies have reportedly been recovered, with renowned Nepali-British mountaineer Nims dai missing along with several other climbers.
The avalanche hit Thursday while an international expedition group was making its way from Camp II to Camp III on the 8,047-metre peak. Nepali Times reported that it happened at an altitude of approximately 6,600 meters where the climbers were swept several hundred meters below the climbing route.
Climbers affiliated with Seven Summit Treks, Elite Exped and Imagine Nepal Treks as well as Pakistani high-altitude guides are reportedly in the missing group. In addition to Nepalis, climbers from Oman, China and the United States joined the team. Communication with the expedition was lost after the avalanche.
Seven Summit Treks reports that they discovered two bodies on the initial search but have not been identified at this time. Authorities have not yet determined if the bodies recovered belong to any of the climbers who are reported as missing. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, search and rescue operations have been hampered in the Karakoram area. Helicopters were also being assembled in the Pakistani town of Skardu, and ground forces were making their way towards the suspected avalanche area. Rescue flights are still reliant on appropriate weather and clearance.
Purja had been equipped with a tracking device and the data continued to change after the avalanche. The officials of the expedition have expressed cautious optimism, but stressed that data alone would not be able to verify Purja's health condition or determine who was using the device. Additionally, the Alpine Club of Pakistan said it was in touch with relevant agencies and government officials to deploy available rescue resources including helicopters. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) have also voiced concern, saying they are monitoring the rescue efforts in Nepal.
In 2019, Purja became an international celebrity after completing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in less than six months. Broad Peak is the world's 12th highest peak and is one of the most challenging peaks for high altitude climbing.
Source: The Kathmandu Post | Nepali Times | The Himalayan Times
