Skardu, Pakistan, July 31: A major avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak (8,047m) has resulted in one of the deadliest mountaineering tragedies in recent years, leaving several elite climbers feared dead or missing, including celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal “Nimsdai” Purja.
The avalanche struck shortly before 9:30 am local time below Camp III, at an altitude of approximately 6,600 metres, sweeping away a group of ten climbers who were making their summit push on the world’s 12th-highest mountain in the Karakoram range.
Four Bodies Recovered
Ground rescue teams have recovered four bodies from the avalanche debris opposite Broad Peak Base Camp. Pakistani authorities have officially confirmed the identities of two victims:
Nadhira Al Harthy (Oman) – the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest and one of the Arab world’s most accomplished mountaineers.
Pur Bahadur “Yukta” Gurung (Nepal) – an experienced high-altitude guide associated with Elite Exped, the expedition company founded by Nirmal Purja.
The identities of the remaining two recovered bodies are yet to be officially confirmed.
Nirmal Purja Among Those Missing
Among the climbers still missing is Nirmal Purja, globally renowned for his record-breaking Himalayan achievements and his “Project Possible” expedition that saw him climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks in record time.
According to his business partner Mingma Gyabu Sherpa (Mingma David), Purja’s GPS tracker has continued to register movement since the avalanche. While this has raised hopes that he may still be alive, the information has not yet been independently verified, and authorities have urged caution until rescue teams can confirm his condition.
Helicopter and Ground Rescue Operations Continue
Two military helicopters carrying experienced Pakistani climbers Sirbaz Khan and Sherzad Karim have been deployed to assist aerial search operations over the avalanche zone.
On the ground, rescue personnel, including Waqar Ali, Sona Sherpa and Pakistani high-altitude climbers, continue searching the debris field where climbers were carried hundreds of metres downhill by the avalanche.
Earlier satellite tracker data reportedly showed several climbers being swept dramatically down the mountain, with some tracker signals ending close to Broad Peak Base Camp.
Climbers Still Missing
Authorities and expedition operators continue searching for the following climbers:
Nirmal Purja (Nepal)
Nima Sherpa (Nepal)
Gyalu Sherpa (Nepal)
Nawang Thendu Sherpa (Nepal)
Kili Pemba Sherpa (Nepal)
Sohail Sakhi (Pakistan)
Mallory Geis (United States)
Wang Zhong (China)
The situation remains fluid as search teams continue to verify identities and locate survivors.
Challenging Conditions
Experienced climbers who had recently abandoned attempts on Broad Peak due to deteriorating weather had warned of dangerous conditions on the mountain.
American climber Ian Overton, who returned safely to Skardu before the accident, noted that Broad Peak had experienced severe windstorms, unstable snow accumulation and rapidly melting lower slopes, creating ideal conditions for avalanche activity.
According to Overton, fresh snowfall combined with elevated humidity and strong winds significantly increased the avalanche risk in the days leading up to the tragedy.
Global Mountaineering Community Awaits Updates
The disappearance of Nirmal Purja and several highly respected Sherpa climbers has sent shockwaves through the international mountaineering community.
Purja was reportedly attempting another historic milestone involving the world’s fourteen 8,000-metre peaks, while several of the missing Sherpa climbers rank among the most experienced Himalayan high-altitude guides.
Rescue efforts remain ongoing, with authorities expected to release further information as helicopter teams complete aerial reconnaissance and ground teams continue recovery operations.
