World-renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja is feared missing after a massive avalanche struck a team of 10 climbers on Broad Peak in Pakistan's Karakoram range. The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the group has been out of communication since Thursday. Authorities are coordinating an urgent search-and-rescue operation, with helicopter support being arranged, subject to weather conditions.

Islamabad: 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.