World

Nirmal Purja feared missing after Pakistan avalanche

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among ten climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck an expedition in Pakistan.

By The Victoria Brief News Desk

1 min read
Nirmal Purja feared missing after Pakistan avalanche
Illustration by The Victoria Brief

Renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is feared missing alongside nine other climbers following an avalanche in Pakistan, according to international wire reports.

The group was climbing in the mountainous regions of Pakistan when the avalanche struck. While specific details surrounding the incident remain limited, authorities are working to gather more information about the location and the condition of those on the expedition.

The identities of all ten climbers have not yet been fully confirmed by officials. However, preliminary reports indicate that the group includes an American citizen, a Chinese national, an Omani national, and five Nepali climbers, in addition to Mr Purja.

It is currently unclear which peak the team was attempting to summit, or the precise altitude at which the avalanche occurred. Information regarding the exact timing of the incident and the weather conditions on the mountain is also yet to be confirmed by local rescue agencies or expedition operators in the region.

Pakistan contains some of the world's highest and most dangerous peaks, attracting hundreds of elite mountaineers and high-altitude climbers each year. The region is known for its treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather, which frequently present severe risks to climbing parties.

Local search and rescue operations are expected to face challenging conditions as they seek to establish contact with the group.

We will watch for updates from Pakistani rescue coordination centres as search teams attempt to locate the missing climbers.

This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.

Dedicated to a Stronger Victoria.

Keep The Victoria Brief Independent

We do not run paywalls or accept government funding. Our reporting is funded by readers who believe Victorian public life deserves close, independent scrutiny.

Monthly tiers from $8. Cancel anytime.

The Victoria Brief

Independent analysis of Victorian politics, weekly.