SKARDU: Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of five more climbers who died in the Broad Peak avalanche, officials confirmed on Thursday. The latest recovery brings the total number of bodies transported to Skardu to eight, while search efforts continue for two missing mountaineers.
According to the deputy commissioner, a joint ground recovery team of Pakistani and Nepali climbers carried out the operation in difficult conditions. Among those recovered was renowned Nepali climber and world record-holder Nirmal Purja. Rescue teams are still searching for Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi and a foreign female mountaineer.
The avalanche struck Broad Peak a few days ago, resulting in the deaths of 10 climbers. Officials described the incident as one of the most serious mountaineering disasters ever recorded on the mountain. Harsh weather and the challenging terrain have made recovery efforts slow and difficult.
Authorities said the recovery mission has involved close coordination between local officials, experienced climbers, and rescue teams. The operation has focused on reaching areas covered by heavy snow and unstable ice following the avalanche.
The president of the Alpine Club said the tragedy ranks among the worst incidents in the history of Broad Peak. He explained that two bodies were recovered on the first day of the operation. Initially, only body parts of a third victim were located due to the difficult conditions at the site.
The first victims recovered included a Nepali climber and a woman from Oman. Recovery teams continued searching over the following days, eventually locating more victims buried under snow and debris.
Officials also confirmed that the Pakistan Army supported the mission by providing helicopters. The aircraft helped transport recovered bodies from the mountain to Skardu. Earlier, five bodies were airlifted during the rescue operation.
On Thursday, the bodies of four Nepali climbers and one Chinese climber were also brought to Skardu. Authorities said the identification process and necessary legal procedures will continue before the remains are handed over to their respective families.
Search teams remain focused on finding the two missing climbers. Officials said the operation will continue despite the difficult environment. Weather conditions and the high-altitude terrain remain major challenges for rescuers.
In other news read more about Broad Peak Avalanche: Eight Bodies Recovered as Search for Two Climbers Continues
The Broad Peak avalanche has drawn attention from the international mountaineering community. Many climbers and organizations have expressed condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities have pledged to continue the recovery mission until every possible effort has been made to locate the remaining missing climbers.
