Rescuers find 4 bodies of 10 climbers missing after avalanche on Pakistan peak

Led by a renowned Nepal-born mountaineer, the climbers are missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, one of the world’s highest mountains.

ISLAMABAD — Ten international climbers led by a renowned Nepal-born mountaineer are missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in northern Pakistan, one of the world’s highest mountains.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan received initial reports that the avalanche struck the team led by Nirmal Purja and the climbers have been out of communication since then, club Vice President Karrar Haidri said in a statement late Thursday.

The expedition includes five Nepalese climbers: Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, Omani climber Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified as Wang and another foreign climber, Haidri said.

At 26,401 feet, Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range is the world’s 12th-highest mountain.Joe Stenson / AFP via Getty Images fileThe club’s president, Maj. Gen. Irfan Arshad, and its senior leaders are in contact with government officials to facilitate an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

The club said every effort was being made to mobilize helicopters and other rescue resources quickly, subject to weather and operational conditions.