KATHMANDU: The government has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of members of the Broad Peak expedition in Pakistan led by renowned mountaineer Nirmal Purja, describing the tragedy as an irreparable loss to Nepal’s mountaineering sector.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the climbers were caught in an avalanche on July 31 while travelling from Camp II to Camp III on Broad Peak.

The ministry identified the deceased Nepali climbers as Pur Bahadur Gurung “Yukta”, Kili Pemba Sherpa “Kilu”, Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Nirmal Purja “Nimsdai”.

It said Pakistani authorities and Nepali rescue teams intensified search and recovery operations after the climbers were reported missing. The bodies of Pur Bahadur Gurung and Gyalu Sherpa have been recovered, while search efforts for the remaining climbers are ongoing.

The Ministry said the Embassy of Nepal in Pakistan is facilitating the repatriation of the recovered bodies to Nepal.

The expedition comprised 10 members, including four foreign climbers: Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy of Oman, Sohail Sakhi of Pakistan, Wang Zhong of China and Mallory Geis of the United States.

The government paid tribute to the deceased and extended heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families.