International Climbing Team Led by Nirmal Purja Missing After Broad Peak Avalanche

A 10-member international climbing team led by world-renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai) has gone missing after an avalanche struck Pakistan's Broad Peak in the Karakoram mountain range. According to reports, the avalanche hit the 8,047 metre Broad Peak around midday on Thursday. Pakistani mountaineering authorities confirmed that they have been unable to establish contact with the expedition since the incident. The multinational team includes climbers from Nepal, the United States, China, and Oman, highlighting the international nature of the expedition. Rescue officials said helicopters are on standby and will be deployed for search and rescue operations as soon as weather conditions allow. The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated that it is working closely with government agencies to launch an immediate rescue mission and is mobilising all available resources, including air support. In an official statement, the club expressed hope for the safe rescue of all climbers and extended its solidarity to their families and the global mountaineering community during this difficult time. Broad Peak is the 12th-highest mountain in the world and is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding peaks in the Karakoram range, with unpredictable weather and a high risk of avalanches. About Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai) Nirmal Purja, popularly known as Nims Dai, is one of Nepal's most celebrated mountaineers. He joined the British Army in 2003 before becoming a Royal Marine in 2009. His passion for climbing began after visiting Everest Base Camp in 2012, eventually leading him to summit Mount Everest. In 2019, Purja made history by climbing all 14 mountains above 8,000 metres in just over six months, setting a world record and cementing his reputation as one of the world's greatest high-altitude climbers. As rescue efforts continue, the international mountaineering community remains hopeful for positive news regarding the missing expedition.