Pakistan Mountain Avalanche: Four Bodies Found, Search Continues for Missing Climbers
_x000D_Pakistan mountain avalanche rescue teams located four bodies on Broad Peak after an avalanche struck one of the country’s highest mountains. Search crews continue looking for at least 10 missing climbers.
_x000D_The avalanche hit Broad Peak, an 8,051-metre mountain in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region, on Thursday. Officials believe the climbers were swept away while attempting the difficult ascent.
_x000D_ _x000D_Pakistan Mountain Avalanche Rescue Continues
_x000D_Rescue teams resumed operations early Friday despite harsh weather and difficult terrain.
_x000D_Sajid Hussain, deputy director of Gilgit-Baltistan’s tourism department, said helicopters and ground teams were searching a remote section of the mountain.
_x000D_Officials have not yet recovered the four bodies because dangerous conditions continue to slow rescue efforts.
_x000D_ _x000D_International Team Among the Missing
_x000D_The missing expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States.
_x000D_Among those missing is renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who gained worldwide recognition after climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in record time.
_x000D_Pakistan’s Alpine Club confirmed that the team lost communication shortly after the avalanche.
_x000D_ _x000D_China and Nepal Offer Support
_x000D_Chinese officials said they are gathering information and stand ready to assist Pakistan if needed.
_x000D_Nepal’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that six missing climbers are Nepali nationals. It said Pakistani authorities promised to use every available resource during the rescue mission.
_x000D_Friends and family members continue to wait anxiously for updates.
_x000D_ _x000D_Broad Peak Remains One of Pakistan’s Toughest Climbs
_x000D_Broad Peak stands near K2 and ranks as the world’s 12th-highest mountain.
_x000D_The peak attracts experienced climbers every year because of its extreme weather and challenging routes.
_x000D_Mountaineering experts say avalanches remain one of the greatest dangers on Pakistan’s highest mountains.
_x000D_ _x000D_Rescue Mission Continues
_x000D_The Pakistan mountain avalanche has shocked the international climbing community.
_x000D_Rescue teams remain on the mountain and continue searching for survivors. Authorities say the operation will continue as long as conditions allow.
