KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 11

Ali Sadpara, John Snori and Juan Pablo Mohr went on K2 winter expedition on February 05 and lost signal to base camp and haven't since been heard of.

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Representatives from National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) and contractors pose for a portrait after signing the MoU for reconstruction of heritage sites in Kathmandu, on Thursday, February 11, 2021. Photo Courtesy: NRA

MoU signed for reconstruction of three heritage sites in Kathmandu

Pictured here is the world’s second highest mountain Mount K2, in Pakistan.

Search continues for missing mountaineers in K2 despite adverse weather conditions

Search missions have been going since then as far as weather permitted.

According to Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Home Secretary at Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly known as Northern Areas) Government, the search mission for the missing mountaineers started today at 11: 30 am through the help of FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared Radar) system.

On February 10, the search mission was suspended due to bad weather which restricted SAR activities.

A virtual base camp was also formed consisting of mountaineers such as Venessa O'Brien, Rao Ahmed, Sajid Sadpara who are friends and relatives of Ali Sadpara and John Snori, to help in finding the three missing mountaineers. Iceland Space Agency, ICEYE, Airbus, Planet and e-Geos are also collaborating for real time information with the virtual base camp.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Air Force is on its mission too, and has been working on to find more comprehensive system, other than FLIR, for the search.

Pakistani Army's helicopter made a search flight almost up to 7000m and returned back to Skardu, February 06, 2021. Photo Courtesy: Chhang Dawa Sherpa/Twitter
Pakistani Army's helicopter made a search flight almost up to 7000m and returned back to Skardu, February 06, 2021. Photo Courtesy: Chhang Dawa Sherpa/Twitter

Positive and timely response from the corresponding Ministry and support and prayers have been over the social medias since first news of mountaineers going missing have been praised.

The Provincial Minister for Tourism, Sports, Culture & Archeology, and Youth Affairs for Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Nasir Ali Khan tweeted in the midnight today, "In a high profile meeting it is decided that search activities can only be initiated after tracing exact whereabouts location or imaginary sign of the missing climbers. And for this at least 4 High Altitude climbers and 4 rescuers will be involved. Duration of search activity is likely to be extended up to 60 days. Embassies of both foreign nationals may also be taken on board regarding search activities their assistance in form of international rescue climbers."

Meanwhile, Chhang Dawa Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks called off the expedition to K2 due to bad weather on February 09 and planned to return to the base camp towards Skardu. He along with other Pakistani climbers and porters had been assisting in the rescue mission.

Compiled by Kriti Joshi