Ten Climbers Missing on Pakistan's Broad Peak
Ten climbers were missing on Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s highest mountains, after an avalanche swept the slopes, mountaineering officials said. Among them was the renowned Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, celebrated for his record-breaking ascents of the world’s tallest peaks. Rescue efforts were under way in difficult conditions.
Broad Peak, which rises to more than 8,000 metres in the Karakoram range, is one of the fourteen “eight-thousanders” that draw elite mountaineers each summer, along with considerable danger. Avalanches and sudden storms are a constant threat at such altitudes, where rescue is perilous and often impossible. Mr Purja, who has a large following, rose to fame for climbing all fourteen of the highest peaks in record time. The fate of the group remained unclear as teams tried to reach the area. Watch for word from the rescue operation.