Russia avalanche kills at least 11 climbers as six remain missing on Mount Mizhirgi

At least 11 people have been killed and six others injured after an avalanche struck a group of climbers in Russia’s North Caucasus, local emergency services said.

According to Reuters, the avalanche hit Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region at around 5:00 PM local time on Sunday.

Officials said 33 climbers were on the mountain when the avalanche swept through the group, and by 9:00 AM local time on Monday, 10 climbers had managed to make their own way down the mountain, while six others remained missing, according to emergency services.

More than 50 emergency workers were taking part in the search and rescue operation for those still unaccounted for.

However, authorities said difficult mountain terrain and the high risk of further avalanches were hampering rescue efforts.

Mount Mizhirgi is one of the highest peaks in Russia’s North Caucasus region.

Search operations were continuing Monday as emergency crews worked to locate the six missing climbers.