Four bodies recovered after Broad Peak avalanche as search continues for missing climbers

Rescue teams recovered four bodies on Friday as search operations continued for climbers who went missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range a day earlier.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), the 10-member expedition included six climbers from Nepal, one each from Pakistan, Oman, the United States and China. The Nepalese climbers were identified as Nirmal Purja, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa. The remaining members were Oman's Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, Pakistan's Sohail Sakhi, China's Wang Zhong and American climber Mallory Geis.

ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad said four bodies had been recovered. He confirmed the identities of two of the deceased as Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal's Pur Bahadur Gurung, while the identities of the other two were yet to be officially announced.

Earlier, the ACP said two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters carrying rescue personnel and specialised equipment had been dispatched to assist the search and rescue operation. The club said it was coordinating with government authorities and relevant agencies, adding that rescue efforts were dependent on weather and operational conditions.