KATHMANDU: Four bodies have been recovered following an avalanche below Camp III on Broad Peak (8,047m) in Pakistan's Karakoram, authorities said, as a search mission continues for the remaining climbers unaccounted for since the disaster struck the mountain on Thursday.

Officials have yet to officially confirm the identities of all four bodies, though expedition sources reported that the bodies of Nepali climber Pur Bahadur Gurung — known as "Yukta" — and Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy had been recovered, accounting for two of the four bodies confirmed by the minister. The identities of the remaining two have not yet been officially confirmed.

At least 10 climbers went missing when the avalanche struck the team twice just below Camp III, according to preliminary information gathered by The Tourism Times from multiple sources.

Climbers who lost contact

From Elite Exped: Nepali-British climber Nirmal Purja "Nimsdai," IFMGA guide Yukta Gurung of Gorkha, and Nima Sherpa of Makalu.

From Seven Summit Treks: Omani climber Nadhira Al Harthy, Gyalu Sherpa of Okhaldhunga, and Nwang Thendu Sherpa of Makalu.

From Imagine Nepal Treks: Kili Pemba Sherpa of Rolwaling, who recently completed all 14 eight-thousanders, and Chinese climber Wang Zhong.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan said Pakistani guide Sohail Sakhi and his American client, Mallory Geis, also went missing in the avalanche.

A helicopter has been mobilized for the search-and-rescue operation, officials said.