Mountaineer Nirmal Purja dies in Pakistan avalanche

Renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja has died following a powerful avalanche in Pakistan. Purja, who gained international fame for climbing all 14 of the world’s highest peaks in 189 days, was part of a 10-person expedition when the incident occurred.

His climbing company confirmed his death after recovery teams located the remains of three climbers during a high-altitude search. The avalanche struck in a region characterized by steep terrain and severe weather, which has complicated rescue and recovery efforts.

The incident follows recent extreme weather in the region, including heavy snowfall and rain, which have created dangerous conditions for climbers in the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. While the exact number of fatalities and the precise location of the avalanche are still being clarified, the loss of Purja is noted as a significant blow to the international climbing community.