Search operations for seven climbers missing after a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-administered Kashmir were suspended on Friday due to severe weather, a day after the tragedy struck one of the world’s most challenging mountains.
Rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of three members of the 10-person expedition. The deceased have been identified as Sarah Mallory, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Pur Bahadur Gurung, according to local authorities cited by media reports.
Avalanche Struck During Summit Push
The multinational expedition, led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China.
The avalanche hit as the team was ascending Broad Peak, an 8,051-metre mountain in the Karakoram range, sweeping several climbers away from an altitude of around 7,000 metres.
Officials said communication with the group was lost shortly after the avalanche. Their last known location was at approximately 6,600 metres, and authorities believe they may have fallen nearly 1,000 metres down the mountain’s steep slopes.
Rescue Mission Interrupted by Severe Weather
A three-member rescue team led by veteran Pakistani climber Sarbaz Khan was deployed to the mountain after the incident, according to Dawn.
The rescuers successfully recovered the bodies of the three climbers, which were later airlifted by Pakistan Army helicopters.
However, deteriorating weather conditions forced authorities to suspend further search operations. Rescue teams remain on standby and are expected to resume the mission once conditions improve.
Experienced Climbers Among the Victims
Among those killed was Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest. She had also successfully climbed several other major peaks, including K2 and Manaslu.
Pur Bahadur Gurung was an accomplished Nepali mountaineer who had summited 28 peaks above 8,000 metres, making him one of the region’s most experienced high-altitude climbers.
Sarah Mallory, meanwhile, was attempting her first expedition on an 8,000-metre peak.
Authorities said six of the seven climbers still missing are Nepali nationals, including three Sherpas, raising concerns over the chances of survival as rescue efforts remain stalled.
Standing at 8,051 metres, Broad Peak is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and one of the most technically demanding summits in the Karakoram range.
Despite attracting climbers during the summer mountaineering season, the peak is notorious for its steep terrain, unpredictable weather, high winds and frequent avalanches, making rescue operations particularly difficult even under favourable conditions.
With harsh weather continuing to batter the mountain, authorities say search efforts will resume only when conditions are safe enough for rescue teams to return.