World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is feared to be among ten individuals missing following an avalanche on Broad Peak, the Pakistan Alpine Club announced on 30/7. The club stated it received "highly alarming reports" regarding the incident, which occurred around noon on the mountain.
Initial reports indicate the expedition team comprised ten mountaineers from Pakistan, Oman, China, and the US. All contact with the group has been lost since the avalanche, according to the Pakistan Alpine Club statement.
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Portrait of mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Photo: Explorers web |
Portrait of mountaineer Nirmal Purja. Photo: Explorers web
Purja, 43, a Nepalese native and former Royal Navy serviceman, made history in 2019 by summiting all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in just over six months. His achievement solidified his reputation as a formidable high-altitude climber.
The Pakistan Alpine Club is coordinating with authorities and maintaining communication with Pakistani officials to launch a search and rescue operation. Plans to deploy helicopters and all available rescue teams have been prepared, but the timing of deployment will depend on weather conditions and operational feasibility at the site.
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The route to Broad Peak. Photo: Explorers web |
The route to Broad Peak. Photo: Explorers web
Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain, stands over 8,000 meters tall in the Karakoram range, near the Pakistan-China border. Its name originates from the nearly 1.5 km wide ridge, which includes several subsidiary peaks like Rocky Summit and Broad Peak Central, both also over 8,000 meters.
The rugged terrain and harsh weather of the Karakoram range mean Broad Peak frequently experiences avalanches, rockfalls, and dangerous ice crevasses. At least 20 mountaineers have died while attempting Broad Peak, making it one of the world's most perilous summits.
By Anh Minh (Sources: CNN, Explorers web)
