Search and rescue operations entered a second day on Friday after an avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Broad Peak (8,047m) in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range, with rescuers recovering four bodies and continuing efforts to locate six missing climbers.

The avalanche hit the 10-member expedition around midday on Thursday as the team attempted to summit Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain.

According to base camp and local sources, four bodies have so far been recovered from the snow debris.

Two of the victims have been identified as Nepali mountaineer Pur Bahadur Gurung, also known as “Yukta”, and Omani climber Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy. The identities of the remaining two bodies are yet to be confirmed.

The search and rescue mission is being led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sarbaz Khan, with helicopters, ground teams and specialised rescue equipment deployed despite difficult weather and high-altitude conditions.

The missing expedition includes climbers from the United States, Nepal, Oman, China and Pakistan.

Those still unaccounted for include expedition leader Nirmal Purja “Nims Dai”, Nepali climbers Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, American climber Mallory Geis, and Chinese climber Wang Zhong.

Earlier, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said all 10 climbers lost contact after the avalanche and described the incident as deeply concerning.

Two rescue helicopters carrying personnel and specialised equipment were dispatched on Friday to reinforce ground teams operating in the challenging terrain.

ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad (Retd) said the organisation remained in close coordination with government authorities to ensure all available resources were mobilised for the rescue effort.

Broad Peak, known locally as Falchan Kangri, lies near K2 on the Pakistan-China border. Although considered less technically demanding than some other 8,000-metre peaks, it is prone to avalanches and remains one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude climbing destinations.

Rescue teams said the operation would continue as weather and terrain conditions permit, while the ACP expressed hope for the safe recovery of the remaining climbers.