Broad Peak Avalanche: Two Climbers Confirmed Dead as Search Intensifies for Nirmal Purja and Sohail Sakhi
By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
GILGIT: Two climbers have been confirmed dead after a powerful avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range, as rescue teams continue searching for renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, and several other missing expedition members.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), the avalanche hit a 10-member international climbing team during a summit push on Thursday. The expedition included six climbers from Nepal, along with participants from Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States.
ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad confirmed that the recovered victims were Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal.
The ACP said two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialised equipment were deployed to support the ongoing search and rescue operation. Officials said every available resource is being used, subject to weather and operational conditions.
ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said GPS data received from some of the missing climbers indicated the avalanche swept members of the expedition nearly 1,000 metres downhill, leaving them trapped in extremely hazardous terrain. Multiple expedition teams are assisting in the rescue effort, while concerns remain that local high-altitude porters may also have been affected.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert and work closely with the Pakistan Army to accelerate rescue efforts. Provincial Tourism Minister Naiknam Karim also said all logistical and operational support was being provided to teams working on the mountain.
Among those still missing is Nirmal Purja, one of the world's most accomplished mountaineers. The 43-year-old set a world record in 2019 by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in just six months and six days. He also played a key role in the historic first winter ascent of K2 in 2021.
Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, who recently summited Kanchenjunga in Nepal, is also among the missing. Hailing from Hunza, Sakhi has previously climbed K2, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I and Gasherbrum II without supplemental oxygen, earning recognition as one of Pakistan's leading high-altitude mountaineers.
Search and rescue operations remain underway, with helicopters and ground teams racing against time as difficult weather and the challenging high-altitude environment continue to hamper efforts.
Why it matters: The incident is one of the most serious mountaineering emergencies of the current climbing season and has drawn international attention due to the involvement of elite climbers from multiple countries.
Published on Chatzyr.net
Written By Editorial Desk | Team Chatzyr
Disclaimer: This report is based on information obtained from credible and publicly available sources at the time of publication. Details may evolve as further official confirmations and investigations emerge.
