KATHMANDU, Aug 1: Pakistani search teams have located four bodies after at least 10 climbers went missing in a suspected avalanche on Broad Peak, one of the world's highest mountains, Al Jazeera reported.
According to the report, three of the four bodies have been recovered and identified as Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Al Harthy, and Mallory Geis of the United States. The identity of the fourth body has not been disclosed.
Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, also known as Nims Dai, remains among those missing. Purja is widely known for setting the record for the fastest ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.
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Sajid Hussain, deputy director of the tourism department in Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan region, told Reuters that search operations for the remaining six climbers were focused on a remote and difficult area.
Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, was hit by an avalanche on Thursday, leaving the 10-member expedition missing.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the expedition comprised 10 climbers, including five Nepalis, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, a Chinese climber identified only as Wang, Omani climber Al Harthy and American climber Geis.
The report added that police did not mention the American climber but said two British nationals—a man and a woman—were among those missing.
"The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche," the Alpine Club said in a statement, adding that efforts were underway to mobilize helicopters and all available rescue resources, subject to weather and operational conditions.
According to Al Jazeera, China's Foreign Ministry said it was urgently verifying the situation and was willing to provide assistance to Pakistan if needed.
Purja, 43, left the British military in 2018 to become a full-time mountaineer and expedition leader. He climbed all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in six months and six days in 2019, setting a record at the time. In 2021, he was also part of the first all-Nepali team to complete a winter ascent of K2.
