11 Mountaineers Killed in Avalanche in Russia

At least 11 mountaineers have been killed and six others injured in an avalanche in the Kabardino-Balkaria mountains of Russia’s North Caucasus region. CNN reported the incident on Monday (September 7), citing local emergency services.

The avalanche occurred around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday on Mount Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in the North Caucasus. A group of 33 mountaineers was in the area at the time.

Emergency services said 10 mountaineers managed to descend on their own by 9 a.m. Monday. However, the whereabouts or fate of six others remained unknown.

More than 50 emergency workers are involved in the search and rescue operation. Difficult terrain and the high risk of further avalanches are severely hampering the rescue efforts.