KATHMANDU: Renowned record-holding climber Mingma G, who is now in the Karakoram region in Pakistan, posted that they are working on the retrieval of the bodies of climbers who perished in the avalanche on Broad Peak on Thursday.

In his post on social media, the legendary climber from Imagine Nepal Treks urged all not to spread fake information about the tragic incident.

At least 10 climbers, including celebrated Nepali British mountaineer Nirmal Purja ‘Nimsdai,’ were buried in an avalanche that struck climbers just above Camp II during their summit push on Broad Peak on Thursday.

“Please do not torture the families with your own assumptions and news. We are in contact with the families. We have located nine of the climbers and are now looking for Sohail and working on retrieving the bodies. Both the Nepalese and Pakistani governments are working on it from their sides,” Mingma G posted. Pakistani officials confirmed the recovery of four bodies from the incident site and the search mission will resume tomorrow morning.

From Mingma G’s company, Kili Pemba Sherpa and Wang Zhong from China apparently perished in the avalanche. Mingma G and all members of K2 expedition abandoned their climb from Camp III and were returned to base camp this afternoon.

Earlier, a drone inspection captured the devastated scene at the incident site.

Neither Nepali nor Pakistani authorities have, however, authenticated Mingma G’s information.

Meanwhile, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, expedition director at Seven Summit Treks posted, “This is a moment I deeply wish none of us ever had to face.”

“Yesterday morning, a large avalanche struck Broad Peak between Camp II and Camp III, sweeping away ten climbers. As of this moment, nine of the ten climbers have been traced. Three members of our team were also caught in the avalanche. It is with profound sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that the body of our team member, Nadhira Al Harthy, a renowned Omani climber, was recovered near Base Camp and has been brought to Skardu. Her guides, Gyalu Sherpa and Nawang Thindu Sherpa, have also been located at approximately 5,900 meters.

As soon as we received news of the disaster, we immediately activated every possible rescue effort. Ground rescue teams were deployed, and we worked closely with the Pakistani authorities to coordinate helicopter-supported search operations. Despite these tireless efforts, we have received no positive outcome. The hope we held onto has now faded, and we are left mourning an immeasurable and irreversible loss.Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families, friends, and loved ones of all those affected by this tragedy. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace, and may their families find the strength and courage to endure this unimaginable grief,” Chhang Dawa posted.

(It’s a developing story; do follow The Tourism Times.)