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Disaster in the Caucasus: 11 climbers killed
At least 11 climbers were killed and six others remain missing following a massive avalanche on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's North Caucasus. The avalanche struck a group of climbers in the Bezengi Gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria on Sunday, September 6, at around 5 p.m. local time.
The scale of the incident emerged gradually. Emergency services initially reported that 15 people had been caught in the avalanche, but authorities later updated the figure, saying the group consisted of 33 climbers. By Monday morning, six injured people had been rescued and taken for medical treatment, while ten climbers managed to descend the mountain on their own.
Enormous clouds of snow spread across a vast area during the avalanche. Photo: Video screenshots
Danger Delays Search Efforts
The search operation involves 56 rescue and emergency personnel, including specialists from the Elbrus high-altitude rescue unit. The teams are operating in steep mountainous terrain, in severe weather conditions and under a real threat of further avalanches.
Authorities said two helicopters may join the effort once conditions improve. For now, the combination of limited visibility, hazardous terrain and unstable snow is making it difficult for rescuers to safely reach the affected area.
A High Peak and Demanding Routes
Mizhirgi is one of the most prominent peaks in the North Caucasus. The Russian Mountaineering Federation states that it stands 4,927 meters high and has several highly difficult climbing routes. The Bezengi area is known for its glaciers, cliffs and high-altitude snow-covered routes.
Initial reports said that two people had been killed, three injured and ten trapped. As the rescue operation progressed, the death toll rose to 11, and it emerged that six additional climbers had yet to be located.
Investigators in Russia have opened a criminal case on suspicion of negligence related to the incident. The circumstances of the disaster are still under investigation, while the search for the six missing climbers continues.
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