The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring developments following reports of an avalanche on Mt. Broad Peak. Nepal’s Embassy in Islamabad is coordinating with Pakistani authorities, including the Alpine Club of Pakistan, to facilitate the swift and safe rescue of the affected mountaineers. Pakistani authorities have informed the embassy that search and rescue operations are underway.

According to information received by the embassy, the expedition team is led by veteran Nepali climber Nirmal Purja “Nims Dai” and includes Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta”, Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu”, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa. The team also includes climbers from Oman, Pakistan, China and the United States.

The ministry said Pakistani authorities have assured Nepal that all available resources will be mobilized for timely search and rescue operations. The Government of Nepal said it would continue monitoring the situation and coordinating through its embassy as rescue efforts proceed.