Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy presumed dead after avalanche hits Pakistan's Broad Peak

Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy is presumed dead after an avalanche hit Pakistan’s Broad Peak on Thursday, according to local authorities. The incident occurred during an expedition involving a group of ten climbers, including Al Harthy. The Alpine Club of Pakistan announced via social media on Friday that the bodies of Al Harthy and another climber, Pur Bahadur Gurung from Nepal, had been recovered from the site. However, official confirmation of their deaths has yet to be issued. The avalanche took place on Broad Peak, which stands at 8,047 meters and is located in Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan. This mountain is the 12th highest in the world. The climbing team consisted of six Nepalese climbers, one from Pakistan, one from China, and one from the United States. Local police stated that four bodies were found near the site, though their identities remain unconfirmed. Search and rescue efforts were halted for the day due to adverse weather conditions. Al Harthy, who was born in Oman, was a notable figure in the climbing community. She achieved a historic milestone in 2019 by becoming the first Omani woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Following this success, she climbed K2 and Manaslu, further establishing herself as a prominent female climber. Her accomplishments have inspired many within Oman and beyond. The Oman Olympic Committee expressed its condolences, highlighting her role as president of the Oman School Sports Federation and wishing her family comfort. Friends and colleagues of Al Harthy shared tributes on social media. Laila Al Hadhrami, a close friend, described Al Harthy as a source of pride and inspiration, emphasizing how her achievements and personal qualities motivated others. “Every time we met you and heard about your unwavering ambition, we were planning to meet as soon as you returned from Pakistan, and I never expected you would leave us so soon,” Al Hadhrami wrote on Instagram. Amy Subaey, founder of UAE Trekkers, expressed deep disappointment over the tragedy. She called the loss of Al Harthy a “betrayal” by nature, stating that such incidents are particularly painful when they affect individuals who embody strength and determination. Subaey praised Al Harthy’s connection to the mountains, noting that her journey and legacy will continue to inspire women in Oman and globally. Geologist Shatha Al Ghafri, who knew Al Harthy personally, reflected on her character, describing her as kind-hearted, genuine, and inspiring. Al Ghafri emphasized the lasting impression Al Harthy left on those who knew her, focusing on her warmth and sincerity. Among the climbers in the expedition was Nirmal Purja, a well-known figure in the climbing world. A Nepalese-born former member of the Royal Marines, Purja gained international recognition for completing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks in just six months in 2019. His presence in the team underscores the high level of expertise and experience involved in the climb. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Pakistani authorities. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on providing support to the families of those affected and ensuring that the lessons learned contribute to safer climbing practices in the future.