GILGIT: A search and rescue operation has resumed to locate seven climbers who went missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak earlier this week. The operation, which was temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions, recommenced on Saturday morning.
On Friday, the bodies of three climbers were recovered and airlifted to Skardu. The deceased include Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung, and American climber Mallory Geis. The search continues for the remaining climbers, which include five from Nepal, renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa. Additionally, Pakistan’s Sohail Sakhi and China’s Wang Zhong are also among those unaccounted for.
Details of the Search Operation
A three-member civil rescue team, led by experienced mountaineer Sarbaz Khan, is actively engaged in the search efforts. The team resumed their ground mission on Saturday morning, with additional support from Nepali climbers present at the base camp.
Major General Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), confirmed that the search operation is ongoing at Broad Peak. He mentioned that helicopters from the Pakistan Army are also being deployed to assist in the search efforts.
Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams
According to Ayaz Shigri, the general secretary of the ACP, the rescue teams have encountered significant challenges during their operations. The difficult mountain terrain, adverse weather conditions, and risks associated with snow avalanches and snowfall have complicated the rescue efforts.
Drone footage has revealed the presence of additional climbers at an altitude of 6,000 meters, indicating that the situation is more complex than initially thought. The rescue teams are working diligently to navigate these challenges in hopes of locating the missing climbers.
International Assistance in the Rescue Efforts
In a show of solidarity, renowned Nepali mountaineer Mingma David Sherpa has traveled from Nepal to assist in the search and rescue operation. His involvement highlights the international cooperation often seen in mountaineering communities during such crises.
Timeline of Events
- The avalanche occurred on Thursday while the climbers were ascending at approximately 6,600 meters.
- The team was last in contact on Thursday morning, shortly before the avalanche struck.
- Data from tracking devices indicates that the climbers were thrown hundreds of meters down the mountainside.
Current Status of the Missing Climbers
As the search operation continues, the families and friends of the missing climbers await updates with bated breath. The situation remains critical, and the rescue teams are committed to doing everything possible to locate and recover the missing individuals.
The ongoing efforts at Broad Peak underscore the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. As rescue teams work tirelessly, the mountaineering community remains hopeful for a positive outcome.
