At least 11 climbers are swept away to their death in avalanche as video shows wall of snow and ice crashing down mountain in Russia
At least 11 climbers were killed and six injured after an avalanche struck a group of 33 mountaineers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's North Caucasus, with rescue teams still searching for six people unaccounted for. The disaster, which occurred on Sunday evening, has triggered a major emergency response involving over 50 personnel and helicopters, though difficult terrain and the risk of further avalanches are hampering the search.
The avalanche struck at around 5pm local time, sending snow and rocks cascading down the 16,465ft peak into the heavily glaciated Bezengi Gorge on the Russia-Georgia border, possibly triggered by a partial collapse of a hanging glacier. By Monday morning, 10 climbers had descended the mountain unaided, while six injured survivors were hospitalised. Dramatic footage captured the avalanche's approach, with nearby tourists filming in awe before deciding to flee, unaware climbers had been killed. The incident follows a similar avalanche earlier this year at nearby Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest peak, which sees an estimated 15 to 30 deaths annually.
In short
- At least 11 climbers killed, six missing after Russian avalanche
- Avalanche hit Mount Mizhirgi in North Caucasus on Sunday
- Over 50 rescuers searching amid difficult terrain and further avalanche risk
Explained simply
Mount Mizhirgi is a high peak in Russia’s North Caucasus, near the border with Georgia. It rises above Bezengi Gorge, a steep area of glaciers and rugged mountain terrain that can make travel and rescue difficult.
Mountaineering groups often include climbers with different levels of experience, and conditions can change quickly at high altitude. Avalanches happen when snow or ice breaks loose and rushes downhill; a hanging glacier, suspended on a steep slope, can also collapse.
The region includes some of the Caucasus’s highest mountains and attracts climbers and tourists. Its glaciers, steep slopes and exposure to severe weather make it a hazardous place to climb.