Rescuers Race Against Time After Deadly Avalanche on Broad Peak
Rescue teams in Pakistan have entered a second day of searching for climbers caught in an avalanche on Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, as concerns grow over the safety of those still missing.
The avalanche struck on Thursday on the 8,047-metre (26,400ft) peak in the Karakoram range, near the border with China. Of the 10-person multinational expedition, seven climbers remain missing, including renowned Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was leading the group.
So far, the bodies of three climbers have been recovered. They have been identified as American Mallory Geis, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman, and Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal.
The search operation has been expanded, with local Pakistani climbers volunteering to help, along with other mountaineers from Nepal who have temporarily halted their expeditions on the nearby K2 peak. However, efforts have been hampered by bad weather, which has also raised the risk of further avalanches.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said on Friday that several climbers had been spotted by drones, but their condition was unknown. Ayaz Shigri, the club's secretary general, told the BBC that rescuers were concerned about avalanches and were proceeding with extreme caution.
Military helicopters are on standby to assist in the rescue, weather permitting. The operation is being coordinated with local authorities and international mountaineering agencies.
Nirmal Purja, a former Gurkha and British special forces soldier, is well known in the climbing community for his 2019 feat of summiting all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months, a record that brought him global recognition. His current expedition was aiming to climb Broad Peak, which has seen several successful ascents but also numerous tragedies over the years.
Broad Peak, part of the Karakoram range, is considered technically challenging and dangerous, with unpredictable weather and steep slopes prone to avalanches. The region attracts climbers from around the world each year, and rescue operations are often difficult due to the high altitude and remote location.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the avalanche, though such events are often triggered by sudden snow shifts. The Pakistani government has expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased and has pledged full support for the ongoing rescue mission.
The climbing community has rallied around the missing and their families, with several international groups offering assistance. As the search continues, the focus remains on locating the missing climbers safely, though officials have acknowledged that conditions remain challenging.
Rescue teams are working in shifts, braving the extreme altitude and cold. The use of drones has provided some hope, but the situation remains fluid. The next few hours are critical, they said, as weather forecasts predict a possible window for helicopter operations.
The tragedy is a stark reminder of the risks faced by high-altitude climbers. Experts have called for greater safety measures and improved communication systems on such expeditions. Meanwhile, the families of the missing await news, and the world watches as the rescue unfolds.
