Nirmal Purja Is Still Missing But The Search Has Been Paused Due To Bad Weather
Nirmal Purja Is Still Missing But The Search Has Been Paused Due To Bad Weather Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 12:48 IST The
Nirmal Purja Is Still Missing But The Search Has Been Paused Due To Bad Weather Published By, Last Updated: August 01, 2026, 12:48 IST The search for the missing mountaineers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was stopped due to inclement weather. Several mountaineers have already been found dead. Rapid Read Nirmal Purja, the world-renowned Nepali mountaineer, remains missing. (Image source: Reuters) Search operations for seven missing climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were halted on Friday after severe weather disrupted rescue efforts, a day after the avalanche struck the peak. Pakistani teams recovered the bodies of three mountaineers from the 10-member expedition. The deceased were identified as Sarah Mallory, Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, and Pur Bahadur Gurung, according to local authorities, as per media reports.
The group included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China, and was led by renowned Nepali climber Nirmal Purja. The avalanche struck as the team was ascending the 8,000-metre-class peak, sweeping climbers away from an altitude of around 7,000 metres. Officials said the group lost contact with base camp shortly after the incident. Their last known location was approximately 6,600 metres, from where they are believed to have fallen nearly 1,000 metres down the slope. A three-member rescue mission led by Sarbaz Khan was launched by regional authorities, Dawn reported. The team managed to retrieve the three bodies, which were later transported by Pakistan Army helicopters. However, further search efforts had to be paused due to worsening weather conditions and are expected to resume once conditions improve.
Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain, stands at over 8,000 metres in the Karakoram range and is considered particularly dangerous due to its steep terrain, strong winds and frequent avalanches. Although expeditions are typically undertaken during the summer climbing season, sudden weather shifts often pose significant risks. Among those killed, Al Harthy was the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest and had also climbed other major peaks, including K2 and Manaslu. Gurung was a highly experienced mountaineer who had summited 28 peaks above 8,000 metres, while Mallory was attempting her first climb of this scale. Authorities said six of the seven missing climbers are Nepali nationals, including three Sherpas. Rescue teams remain on standby, with hopes of resuming the search as soon as weather conditions permit.
The BriefWire