At least 11 killed in avalanche on Russia's Mount Mizhirgi
Recovery operations for six missing climbers are hampered by difficult terrain and high risk of further avalanches
Quick Look
- At least 11 climbers died and six are missing after an avalanche struck a group of 33 on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region.
- Rescue efforts are currently hindered by dangerous terrain and the threat of additional slides.
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Why It Matters
Mount Mizhirgi is a fold mountain in the Caucasus region exceeding 5,000 meters in height. It features glacial flanks that require advanced technical mountaineering skills.
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 Caucasus region, is one of 12 standing above 5,000 metres tall.
The mountain features glacial flanks, requiring technical mountaineering skills.
The Caucasus Mountains consist of two ranges which are divided into the Greater Caucasus and lesser Caucasus ranges.
Mount Elbrus in the Greater Caucasus range is the highest peak in the region, as well as Europe, and stands at 5,642m.
Open Questions
- What is the current status of the six missing climbers?
- Will rescue operations be suspended due to further avalanche risks?