Avalanche – Nepal Intensifies Coordination After Broad Peak Rescue Mission Begins
Avalanche –Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that it is actively monitoring developments after a powerful avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The ministry said it is working closely with Pakistani officials to support ongoing rescue efforts aimed at ensuring the safe recovery of every climber affected by the incident.
The ministry confirmed on Friday that Nepal’s Embassy in Islamabad has established close communication with the relevant authorities in Pakistan, including the Alpine Club of Pakistan, as emergency teams continue search and rescue operations in the high-altitude region. Officials said they have been regularly receiving updates from Pakistan regarding the progress of the mission.
Nepal Embassy Maintains Close Contact With Authorities
According to the ministry, Pakistani authorities have informed Nepal that rescue personnel remain deployed at the avalanche site and that operations are continuing despite the difficult mountain conditions. Nepal stated that it is maintaining constant coordination through its diplomatic mission in Islamabad to assist wherever necessary.
Officials also said Pakistan has assured the Nepali government that every available resource is being used to carry out the rescue effort as quickly and safely as possible. The ministry emphasized that it remains in touch with all concerned agencies and will continue monitoring the situation until the operation is concluded.
International Expedition Included Experienced Climbers
Information shared with the Nepali Embassy indicates that the expedition was led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as “Nims Dai.” The climbing group also included several experienced Sherpa mountaineers from Nepal, including Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta,” Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu,” Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa.
The international expedition further comprised Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy from Oman, Pakistan’s Sohail Sakhi, Wang Zhong of China and Mallory Geis from the United States. The multinational team had been attempting the ascent of Broad Peak when the avalanche occurred.
Four Bodies Recovered as Search Continues
According to a report published by The Kathmandu Post, rescue teams have recovered four bodies from the avalanche zone while continuing efforts to locate climbers who remain unaccounted for. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed the identities of those recovered.
Among those reported missing is Nirmal Purja, the Nepal-born mountaineer and former Royal Marine who has earned international recognition for his achievements in high-altitude climbing. He was leading the 10-member expedition at the time of the incident.
Avalanche Struck One of the World’s Highest Peaks
Broad Peak, rising 8,047 metres above sea level, is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and forms part of the Karakoram mountain range in northern Pakistan. Reports indicate that the avalanche struck around midday on Thursday, triggering a large-scale emergency response involving rescue personnel and mountaineering authorities.
Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said the identities of the recovered victims have not yet been verified. The organization stated that it has remained in continuous contact with government agencies and emergency responders to help coordinate rescue activities.
Rescue Resources Mobilised Across the Region
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said it is working alongside all relevant stakeholders to ensure that rescue operations receive maximum support. The organization added that efforts are focused on deploying available resources without delay as teams continue searching the challenging high-altitude terrain.
Officials have not yet released a final assessment of the incident, and rescue teams remain engaged at the site. Both Nepali and Pakistani authorities have indicated that they will continue providing updates as the operation progresses.