An avalanche has struck Broad Peak in Pakistan, leaving a 10-member international expedition team missing, according to reports from international media outlets.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the group, led by renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, lost contact following the natural disaster. The Pakistan Alpine Club confirmed via social media that the expedition team includes climbers from the United States, China, Oman, and Nepal.
Authorities in Pakistan have mobilized all available resources to conduct search and rescue operations for the missing climbers. Efforts are currently underway to locate the team, with government agencies coordinating closely with international partners.
Nirmal Purja is widely recognized as one of the world's most accomplished high-altitude mountaineers. Earlier this month, he successfully summited Gasherbrum II, reaching an altitude of 8,035 meters without supplemental oxygen, marking his 57th ascent of an 8,000-meter peak. Purja gained global fame for setting a record by climbing all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks in record time. Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range, is the 12th highest mountain in the world and is known for its challenging conditions.
