Search operation resumes for seven missing Broad Peak climbers
GILGIT: Search and rescue teams resumed their operation on Saturday morning to locate seven climbers who remain missing after a deadly avalanche struck Broad Peak earlier this week. The mission restarted after weather conditions improved, allowing rescuers to return to one of the world’s most challenging mountain environments.
The rescue operation had been suspended late Friday because of heavy snowfall, poor visibility and the continuing risk of avalanches. Officials said improving weather conditions enabled both ground and air teams to resume the search.
The avalanche occurred on Thursday while a 10-member international expedition was climbing Broad Peak, an 8,047-metre mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. According to regional authorities, the climbers were ascending at an altitude of around 6,600 metres when they were caught in the massive avalanche.
Three climbers were confirmed dead after their bodies were recovered on Friday. The deceased were identified as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung and American climber Mallory Geis. Their bodies were later airlifted to Skardu.
Seven climbers are still missing. They include internationally renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, fellow Nepali climbers Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi and Chinese climber Wang Zhong.
According to the local administration, a three-member civilian rescue team led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sarbaz Khan resumed the ground search on Saturday morning. Experienced Nepali climbers already stationed at the Broad Peak base camp also joined the rescue effort to assist in locating the missing mountaineers.
Pakistan Army helicopters have also been deployed to support the operation. Rescue officials said helicopters are assisting with aerial surveillance, transporting rescue personnel and assessing areas that remain inaccessible by foot.
Officials from the Alpine Club of Pakistan said the search operation remains extremely difficult because of steep mountain slopes, unstable snow, harsh weather and the constant threat of further avalanches. These conditions continue to slow rescue efforts and increase risks for search teams.
Rescuers have also been using drone technology to scan the mountain. During the operation, drone footage reportedly identified signs of additional climbers at an altitude of around 6,000 metres. Ground teams are attempting to reach the location despite dangerous terrain and difficult weather conditions.
The international rescue effort has also received support from renowned Nepali climber Mingma David Sherpa, who travelled to Pakistan to assist in the search for Nirmal Purja and the other missing climbers.
Authorities said the expedition team was last in contact on Thursday morning before communication was lost. Data from the climbers’ tracking devices later suggested that several members of the team had been swept hundreds of metres down the mountainside by the avalanche.
