10 Climbers Missing After Avalanche on Broad Peak

The update

An international mountaineering team led by renowned Nepal-born former Royal Marine Nirmal Purja is feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan on Thursday. Pakistani mountaineering officials report the avalanche hit the 8,047-meter (26,400 ft) peak around midday, and there has been no subsequent communication from the group.

The team consists of an American, a Chinese national, an Omani, and five Nepalis. Pakistani authorities are coordinating a helicopter rescue operation scheduled for Friday morning, pending weather conditions.

Why it matters

Broad Peak is regarded as one of the more challenging mountains for expeditions, and the Karakoram range is known for unpredictable high-altitude weather. This incident highlights the inherent risks of high-altitude expeditions and the logistical challenges of rescue operations in remote, mountainous terrain.

What to watch

Rescue teams are currently assessing weather conditions to proceed with helicopter operations. The safety of the climbers remains the primary focus, and the situation is being closely monitored by Pakistani authorities and international mountaineering organizations.

Sources

• bbc.co.uk — Team composition, peak details, rescue coordination.
• nytimes.com — Confirmation of the incident and search efforts.