Avalanche on Broad Peak, four dead and six missing, including well-known climber Nims Dai

A powerful avalanche has struck the Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains, killing four climbers and leaving six others missing. Among the victims was the renowned climber Nims Dai, who led the expedition. The incident occurred on Thursday morning near the 8,047-meter summit in the northern part of Pakistan, close to the border with China. Rescue operations are ongoing, with drones and military helicopters deployed to search for the missing climbers. The avalanche hit the group while they were attempting to reach the summit, which lies within the Gilgit-Baltistan region. According to local authorities, the bodies of the four deceased climbers were found later that afternoon at an altitude between 6,500 and 7,000 meters. All ten members of the team were highly experienced mountaineers, ranging in age and nationality. Five or six of them were Nepalese citizens, while others hailed from Pakistan, Oman, the United States, and China. Nims Dai, known internationally as a leading figure in the climbing community, is among those still missing. Nims Dai, born in a remote village in the high Himalayas of Nepal, grew up in a family of soldiers. At 18, he joined the British army and served for 16 years, including time in the Royal Navy's special forces. After retiring, he dedicated himself fully to mountaineering, becoming famous for completing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in just under seven months, starting in April 2019 and finishing in October of the same year. His achievement was documented in a television documentary that aired shortly after. He once told the BBC that climbing was not merely about reaching a peak but about pursuing personal goals. His record was surpassed in 2023 by Norwegian climber Kristin Harila, who completed the same feat in three months and one day. The avalanche on the Broad Peak, the twelfth tallest mountain in the world, took place near the K2 range. It is considered one of the most challenging climbs in the world due to its steep terrain and unpredictable weather conditions. Despite the difficulty, the group had planned their ascent carefully. However, the sudden collapse of snow and rock left them stranded and in danger. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly since the incident, using advanced technology such as drones and helicopters to cover difficult and dangerous areas. The Pakistani Alpine Club has coordinated with government agencies and specialized rescue organizations to ensure that all possible resources are being used. General Irfan Arshad, a senior official, confirmed that the club is maintaining constant communication with higher authorities to facilitate immediate action. Karrar Haidri, the club’s senior vice president, added that the organization is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. While two of the four deceased climbers have been identified, the search for the remaining six continues. The harsh environment and extreme altitude make the operation extremely challenging. Weather conditions remain a critical factor, and further progress depends on whether the skies clear and the ground stabilizes. As the search continues, the international climbing community mourns the loss of these skilled individuals and expresses solidarity with their families and fellow climbers.