GILGIT (MNN); The search and rescue operation for climbers missing after a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak was temporarily suspended late Friday due to severe weather conditions, authorities said.
Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters airlifted the bodies of three climbers from Broad Peak to Skardu. The deceased were identified as Mallory Geis of the United States, Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal and Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman. Earlier reports had suggested four bodies had been recovered, but officials later confirmed the death toll at three. Seven climbers are still missing.
According to the Baltistan Division Commissioner’s Office, the rescue operation was launched after a formal request from expedition operators. A three-member civilian rescue team led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sarbaz Khan was flown to Broad Peak Base Camp by Pakistan Army helicopters.
Officials said drone surveillance detected signs indicating the possible location of additional missing climbers. The operation will resume on Saturday once weather conditions improve, with Sherpas from other expeditions also joining the rescue efforts.
Despite difficult terrain, extreme weather and high-altitude challenges, Pakistan Army personnel, local mountaineers and rescue teams continue coordinated efforts to locate the missing climbers.
The Gilgit-Baltistan government expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of full assistance in rescue efforts and the repatriation of the bodies.
Rescue experts warned that the chances of survival for those still missing were decreasing with every passing hour.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said the 10-member expedition comprised six Nepalese climbers, one Pakistani, one Omani, one American and one Chinese national. GPS data indicated that the avalanche swept the group nearly 1,000 metres downhill, trapping several climbers under snow.
Pakistan Army helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialised equipment continued supporting the mission, while the ACP said it remained in close coordination with government authorities and rescue agencies.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain Advocate directed all departments to remain on high alert and mobilise every available resource for the rescue operation. Tourism Minister Naiknam Karim also assured that the provincial government was making every possible effort to locate the missing climbers safely.
The UK High Commission in Pakistan also expressed concern over the incident, noting that a British-Nepali climber was among those missing and confirming it was in contact with Pakistani authorities.
Among the missing is renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, known for setting multiple world climbing records, while Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, who recently summited Kanchenjunga and previously climbed K2 and other 8,000-metre peaks without supplemental oxygen, is also part of the expedition.
