World-renowned climber Nirmal Purja among 10 feared missing following avalanche in Pakistan

Key Points:

• Renowned Nepali climber Nirmal Purja is feared missing after an avalanche struck a team of climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
• The expedition included 10 climbers from Pakistan, Oman, China, and the US, and the entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche occurred around midday Thursday.
• Purja, famous for climbing all 14 of the world's peaks over 8,000 meters in just over six months in 2019, was attempting to become the first person to summit all 14 "8,000ers" twice, having recently climbed Broad Peak.
• Search and rescue operations are underway with helicopter support and other resources being mobilized as soon as weather and operational conditions allow.
• Purja, a former British Army soldier and member of the Order of the British Empire, has been a prominent figure in mountaineering, known for his record-breaking climbs and efforts to address overcrowding on Mount Everest.