GILGIT: Pakistan’s Alpine Club said on Friday it had lost contact with a 10-member international climbing team after an avalanche struck Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, raising fears that the climbers may be trapped beneath snow and debris.
The avalanche hit the 8,047-metre peak around midday on Thursday during a summit push led by renowned mountaineer Nirmal “Nims” Purja.
International Team Feared Trapped
The expedition included Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, five Nepalese climbers, an American, an Omani, a Chinese national and another foreign climber.
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), GPS data indicated the climbers were swept nearly one kilometre down the mountain by the avalanche and were believed to be trapped.
The team had left for its summit attempt on Wednesday and was heading towards Camp 3 when the avalanche struck, ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told local media.
Rescue Operations Await Weather Clearance
ACP Vice President Karrar Haidri said the club was closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with government authorities and rescue agencies.
A statement issued by the club said helicopter support and ground rescue teams would be deployed as soon as weather and operational conditions permit.
“The club prays for the safety and successful rescue of all the climbers and stands in solidarity with their families and the international mountaineering community during this difficult time,” the statement said.
Busy Climbing Season Continues
The incident occurred during one of the busiest periods of Pakistan’s summer climbing season, with more than 200 foreign climbers advancing towards higher camps on K2 (8,611 metres), Gasherbrum I (8,080 metres) and Broad Peak after improved weather opened a summit window.
Gasherbrum II Expedition Reaches Summit
Earlier on Thursday, an eight-member international expedition successfully summited Gasherbrum II (8,035 metres), according to expedition organiser Seven Summit Treks.
The team included British-Pakistani mountaineer Nadia Azad, Brazilian climber Roman Andrade Romancini and six Nepalese climbers: Lakpa Sherpa, Lhakpa Temba Sherpa, Pasang Tenje Sherpa, Tashi Sherpa, Ngima Dorchi Sherpa and Dawasange Sherpa.
Pasang Tenje Sherpa completed the climb without supplemental oxygen, while Lhakpa Temba Sherpa achieved a major milestone by completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks.
For Nadia Azad, the ascent marked her fifth summit above 8,000 metres, following successful climbs of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna and Manaslu.
The team had waited at base camp for favourable weather after climbing activities were suspended on July 21 before launching their summit push from Camp 3 on Wednesday.
