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.