Former Royal Marine and record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal Purja is among 10 climbers feared missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak in northern Pakistan. The incident has prompted a search operation, though severe altitude, weather and terrain make any rescue difficult.

The avalanche hit the 8,047-metre mountain in the Karakoram range, which is the world’s 12th-highest peak. Purja, who was born in Nepal, led the international group and is known for climbing all 14 of the world’s mountains above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days; no deaths had been confirmed at the time of reporting.