Photo Source: ANI
World-renowned climber Nirmal Purja among 10 feared missing after avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak
Islamabad [Pakistan], July 31, 2026 (ANI): World-famous mountaineer Nirmal Purja is feared missing following a massive avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan, CNN reported, citing a statement from the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
The Nepal-born high-altitude climber gained global renown in 2019 after scaling all 14 of the world's peaks above 8,000 metres in slightly over six months.
In an official release, the Alpine Club confirmed that it "has received deeply concerning reports of an avalanche that struck a team of climbers on Broad Peak" around noon on Thursday.
Rising to an elevation of 8,047 metres, Broad Peak is situated in the Karakoram mountain range.
According to initial details reported by CNN, the climbing party comprised 10 mountaineers, including citizens of Pakistan, Oman, China, and the United States.
Stressing the seriousness of the event, the official announcement noted that "the entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche".
The mountaineering association stated that it was "in constant contact with the highest government authorities and all relevant agencies to facilitate an immediate search and rescue operation".
Authorities are attempting to mobilise emergency operations.
CNN reported that "every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilised at the earliest opportunity, subject to weather and operational conditions". (ANI)
Two Killed, One Seriously Injured as Boulder Crushes Vehicle in Kullu’s Ani
Kullu, July 31: Two people were killed and another seriously injured after a massive boulder rolling down a hillside struck their vehicle on the Ranabag-Deuri road in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district on Friday morning.
The accident occurred around 10:30 am in the Ani tehsil. Three people were travelling in the vehicle when the huge boulder suddenly fell from the hillside and crashed into it, causing extensive damage.
Two occupants died on the spot, while the third person sustained serious injuries. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured person to Ani Hospital for treatment.
The relief and rescue operation was launched under the directions of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kullu.
Officials from the Kullu Police Control Room, Ani Police Station and the local administration were informed, while the concerned departments initiated rescue operations and other necessary procedures.
Authorities have urged residents and travellers to remain extremely cautious in landslide-prone areas and avoid unnecessary travel during the ongoing rainfall, which has increased the risk of falling rocks and landslides in the region.