American climber’s remains found after avalanche in Pakistan, other mountaineers still missing
The remains of American climber Sarah Mallory Geis have been found after an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range. The incident is significant because several members of an international climbing group remain unaccounted for, highlighting the dangers faced by mountaineers on the region’s high-altitude peaks.
Geis was among at least 10 climbers who went missing on Thursday while attempting Broad Peak. Pakistani rescue teams also recovered the remains of Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman and Pur Bahadur Gurung of Nepal on Friday, while searches continued for other missing climbers.
In short
- American climber Sarah Mallory Geis died in a Broad Peak avalanche.
- Rescuers also found two other climbers’ remains.
- Several mountaineers were still missing.
Explained simply
Broad Peak is an 8,051-metre mountain in the Karakoram range of northern Pakistan, close to the border with China. It is one of the world’s 14 peaks higher than 8,000 metres, a group often called the “eight-thousanders”, and attracts experienced climbers from many countries.
Climbing at this height involves severe cold, thin air and rapidly changing weather, while avalanches can sweep through routes with little warning. Rescue work is also difficult because helicopters and teams face the same high-altitude conditions, and searches can take days or longer.
Pakistan’s Karakoram is home to several of the world’s highest mountains, including K2, and mountaineering is an important part of its tourism sector. International expeditions usually rely on local guides, porters and rescue services, alongside climbers from abroad.