Avalanche Kills 11 Climbers in Russia’s North Caucasus

At least 11 people were killed and six others injured after an avalanche struck a group of climbers in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus, local emergency services said.

The avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in the North Caucasus, at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, hitting a group of 33 climbers.

By Monday morning, 10 members of the group had made their own way down the mountain. The fate of six others remained unknown as rescuers continued to search for them.

More than 50 emergency workers were involved in the search and rescue operation, but their efforts were being hampered by difficult terrain and a high risk of further avalanches.

(Reuters, bak)