BURSTAt least 11 climbers were killed and six others injured after an avalanche struck a group on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus. The avalanche swept down the mountain at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday hitting a group of 33 climbers in the Bezengi Gorge. Local helicopter pilot Alexander Davydov recorded the avalanche on video, watch below.
The disaster prompted a major search-and-rescue operation, with 56 emergency workers involved in the effort. Officials said the operation was being complicated by difficult terrain, poor conditions and the continuing danger of further avalanches. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said, “The area where the operation is being conducted has difficult terrain, and the danger of avalanches remains.”
Mount Mizhirgi rises to about 5,025 metres and is among the highest peaks in Russia’s North Caucasus. Its steep, glaciated terrain makes the area particularly challenging for climbers and rescuers. The cause of the avalanche has not been officially confirmed, while reports have suggested that unstable snow and ice or a collapsing section of glacier may have contributed to the slide.
As of the latest reports on Sept. 8, the confirmed death toll remains at 11, with several climbers injured and six still missing. Rescue teams are continuing to search the mountain despite the risk of additional avalanches. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, as rescuers work to locate the missing climbers and determine exactly what triggered the deadly avalanche.
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