London – Ten climbers, including world-renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, have been reported missing following an avalanche on Broad Peak (8,047 m) in Pakistan’s Karakoram range.

Those reported missing include Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy (Oman), Sohail Sakhi (Pakistan), Wang Zhong (China), Mallory Geis (USA), and Nepal’s Nirmal Purja “Nims Dai”, Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta”, Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu”, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, and Gyalu Sherpa.

The avalanche is reported to have occurred around 12 noon on Thursday, after which direct contact with the team was lost. Search and rescue operations have since been intensified.

Speaking to the BBC, Nepali lawmaker and mountaineering entrepreneur Mingma Gyabu Sherpa said climbers from nearby peaks K2 and K3 have also been mobilised to assist in the search. According to him, they are descending from their camps to support rescue efforts.

He added that members of “Imagine Nepal,” a commercial mountaineering company associated with Nirmal Purja, are also actively involved in the operation.

Earlier, reports indicated movement on Purja’s tracking device. Confirming this, Sherpa said the movement was recorded in the tracking system yesterday, although direct communication has not yet been re-established.

The Government of Pakistan has already deployed the army to support the rescue mission. Two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters, carrying rescue personnel and specialized equipment, have been sent to the affected area, while additional helicopters remain on standby in Skardu.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan has expressed gratitude for the swift response and continued support from all involved agencies, while remaining hopeful for the safe recovery of the missing climbers. The rescue operation is ongoing.