Jul 31, Kathmandu - A tracking device belonging to renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who went missing after an avalanche on Pakistan's Broad Peak, has shown signs of activity. According to BBC, the device that locates his position has been detected as active.

Purja's professional partner, Mingma Gyabu Sherpa, stated that the tracking system indicated movement of the device's location. Despite an avalanche occurring Thursday afternoon, detailed information was only received later in the evening, Sherpa added.

The avalanche struck Broad Peak, part of the Karakoram Range in Pakistan, which stands at 8,047 meters, on Thursday afternoon. The avalanche's impact has led to the presumed disappearance of a 10-member international climbing team, with no contact since the incident.

The team, led by Nirmal Purja, included five Nepalese climbers, Pakistani Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, an Omani, an American, a Chinese climber Mr. Wang, and another foreign mountaineer. The Alpine Club of Pakistan announced that rescue efforts would commence as soon as weather conditions permit.

Senior Vice President of the Alpine Club, Karrar Haidari, shared that a helicopter was being prepared to depart from Skardu city. Club President Major General Irfan Arshad stated that ongoing contact with government authorities was ensuring continued coordination for search and rescue operations.

The club’s statement read, “Considering weather and technical conditions, efforts are underway to deploy helicopters and other rescue resources as quickly as possible.” They are closely monitoring the situation and expressed their concern for the safety and successful rescue of the climbers.

Nirmal Purja, born in Nepal, joined the British Army in 2003 and later became a Royal Marine in 2009. He developed an interest in mountaineering during a trek to Everest Base Camp in 2012. In 2019, Purja set a world record by summiting all 14 of the world's highest peaks over 8,000 meters in less than six months.

Previously, it took him seven years and ten months to climb all 14 peaks. He also holds six Guinness World Records for the fastest ascents of various high mountains.