At least 11 people have died and six others are missing after an avalanche struck a group of climbers in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus.
The avalanche hit Mount Mizhirgi at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, sweeping through a group of 33 climbers. Six people were also injured in the incident.
By 9 a.m. on Monday, 10 climbers had managed to make their way down the mountain on their own. However, the whereabouts of six others remained unknown, prompting authorities to continue search and rescue efforts.
More than 50 emergency workers have been deployed to locate those still missing and assist those affected by the avalanche. However, the rescue operation is facing major challenges due to the difficult mountainous terrain and the danger of additional avalanches.
Mount Mizhirgi is among the highest peaks in Russia’s North Caucasus. Emergency services are continuing their efforts as authorities work to determine the fate of the missing climbers.
