At least 11 climbers have died after a massive avalanche swept away members of a mountaineering group on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus. Emergency officials say at least six others are missing, while another six are injured.
The avalanche struck at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday in the Kabardino-Balkaria region. A wall of snow slammed into a group of 33 climbers on one of the area’s highest peaks, catching many by surprise. Ten members of the group managed to descend the mountain without assistance, but the rest were not so fortunate.
More than 50 emergency workers have been deployed in the rescue operation. Yet treacherous terrain is slowing their progress, and the threat of further avalanches hangs over the entire search effort. Rescuers are working cautiously, knowing that another slide could turn a tragedy into an even worse catastrophe.
Mount Mizhirgi, which has two summits, is considered an ultra-high mountain. It is one of just 12 peaks in the Caucasus above 16,000 feet, a daunting landscape even for experienced climbers. The region is known for its harsh conditions, and Sunday’s disaster underscores the dangers that remain ever present on these slopes.
