American Netflix Climber Among Team Missing After Pakistan Avalanche
An American climber and a Netflix featured mountaineer are among ten people missing after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan.
The avalanche hit Broad Peak, the world's 12th highest mountain, in Pakistan's Karakoram range on Thursday, catching an international expedition near an altitude of approximately 8,051 metres (26,414 feet). Rescue operations began immediately but have been hampered by extreme weather and difficult terrain.
Among those missing is renowned Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, whose record breaking ascent of all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres was documented in the Netflix film 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible. Also missing is American climber Mallory Geis of San Antonio, Texas, who was attempting her first 8,000 metre summit.
The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, China, Oman, and the United States. Pakistani authorities confirmed that search teams, supported by army helicopters and drones, were deployed following the avalanche, although poor visibility and hazardous conditions have slowed rescue efforts.
Officials said rescuers have recovered several bodies from the mountain, while efforts continue to locate the remaining climbers. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of all those recovered as families continue to await official notification.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan is coordinating the rescue operation alongside local authorities. Nepalese and Chinese officials have also expressed concern for their nationals and pledged assistance as the multinational search continues.
Broad Peak is regarded as one of the world's most challenging mountains because of its steep terrain, unpredictable weather, and high avalanche risk. Despite advances in mountaineering technology, rescue operations at such extreme altitudes remain exceptionally dangerous and are often limited by weather conditions.
Authorities said search efforts will continue whenever conditions permit. The incident has shocked the international climbing community, with mountaineers around the world expressing hope that any remaining survivors can still be located despite the challenging circumstances.
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