Kathmandu, July 31 -- A rescue operation is under way on Pakistan's 8,047-metre Broad Peak after an avalanche struck an international climbing team on Thursday, leaving several climbers, including Nepal-born mountaineer Nirmal Purja, widely known as "Nims Dai", missing. Four bodies have been recovered so far, according to Irfan Arshad Khan, president of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

The identities of those recovered have not yet been confirmed.

The missing climbers include Purja, Pur Bahadur Gurung, Kili Pemba Sherpa, Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa and Nawang Thindu Sherpa. The group also includes Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, Chinese climber Wang Zhong, American climber Mallory Geis and Omani climber Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy.

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