At least 11 killed in avalanche on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia
Recovery operations are underway for six missing climbers following an avalanche in the North Caucasus region
Quick Look
- At least 11 climbers died and six remain missing after an avalanche struck a group of 33 on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's North Caucasus region.
- Rescue efforts are currently hindered by difficult terrain and the ongoing risk of further avalanches.
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Why It Matters
Mount Mizhirgi is a peak in the Caucasus region exceeding 5,000 meters in height. The mountain is known for its glacial flanks and requires technical mountaineering skills.
At least 11 people have been killed in an avalanche that struck a group of climbers on one of Russia's highest peaks.
Recovery operations have been hampered by rough terrain and conditions.
About 10 climbers made their own way down the mountain, while six others remain unaccounted-for.
At least 11 people have been killed and six others injured in an avalanche that struck a group of climbers in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus, local emergency services say.
The avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in Russia's North Caucasus, about 5pm local time (00:00 AEST) on Sunday, hitting a group of 33 climbers.
As of 9am local time on Monday, 10 climbers had made their own way down the mountain, while the fate of six others remained unknown, emergency services said.
More than 50 emergency workers were involved in the search and rescue operation, but efforts were being hampered by difficult terrain and a high risk of further avalanches, they said.
Mount Mizhirgi, a fold mountain in Caucaus region, is one of 12 standing above 5,000 metres tall.
The mountain features glacial flanks, requiring technical mountaineering skills.
Open Questions
- What is the status of the six missing climbers?
- Will the search and rescue operation be successful?