Rescue teams searching for 10 climbers missing after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak have recovered eight bodies, while harsh weather and difficult terrain continue to hamper search operations, officials said.
Renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja was among those confirmed dead following the avalanche, according to his climbing company, Elite Expeditions, Caliber.Az reports via Pakistani media.
"It is with profound sadness and immense heartbreak that we confirm that Nirmal Purja tragically lost his life following the avalanche on Broad Peak. We have also received confirmation that other members of the expedition sadly did not survive," the company said in a statement posted on social media.
The avalanche struck on July 30 as a 10-member international team was attempting to summit Broad Peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain at 8,047 metres, in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Regional authorities said the climbers were ascending at an altitude of around 6,600 metres when the avalanche occurred, severing contact with the expedition.
The team included Purja, five Nepali climbers, a Pakistani national, and climbers from Oman, the United States and China.
Search efforts resumed after being temporarily suspended because of severe weather conditions. Military helicopters, local rescuers and high-altitude climbers have been involved in the operation, while drone footage has helped identify additional victims.
According to regional authorities, rescue operations remain extremely challenging because of the difficult terrain and high-altitude weather conditions.
Search efforts for the remaining missing climbers are continuing.
By Sabina Mammadli
