11 Climbers Killed in Avalanche on Russia’s Mount Mizhirgi As 6 Remains Missing

At least 11 climbers have been killed and six remain missing after a large avalanche swept through a mountaineering group on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus. The avalanche struck the group in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria at approximately 5 p.m. local time Sunday, September 6.

Russia’s regional emergency service initially reported that 15 climbers had been caught in the avalanche, but officials later revised the figure, saying the group consisted of 33 people. As of Monday morning, 11 people had died, six climbers had been injured and transported to medical facilities, and another 10 had managed to descend the mountain on their own. The whereabouts of six climbers remained unknown. The updated figures came as rescuers continued searching the mountain amid difficult conditions.



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Rescue Operation Hampered by Avalanche Danger

The search operation has been expanded to 56 rescuers and emergency personnel, including specialists from Russia’s Elbrus high-altitude search-and-rescue unit. Rescuers are working in difficult mountainous terrain while facing the risk of additional avalanches. Poor weather has also complicated the response. Russian emergency officials said a Mi-8 helicopter and a commercial helicopter could be brought into the search once conditions improve.

The combination of steep terrain, continuing avalanche danger, and poor weather has made it difficult for rescuers to reach the affected area safely.



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Mount Mizhirgi

Mount Mizhirgi is one of the major peaks of the North Caucasus, rising to approximately 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). It is located in the Bezengi mountain region of Kabardino-Balkaria, an area known for its high concentration of demanding mountaineering routes.

The Russian Mountaineering Federation lists Mizhirgi at 4,927 meters (16,165 feet) and records multiple high-difficulty climbing routes on the mountain. The Bezengi Gorge is part of the greater Caucasus range, where climbers encounter glaciated terrain, steep rock and snow-covered high-altitude routes.

Death Toll Rose Rapidly

The scale of Sunday’s disaster became clearer as the rescue operation progressed. Initial reports from Russia’s emergency service said two people had died, three were injured and 10 were trapped beneath the avalanche after a group of 15 climbers was caught in the slide.

By Monday morning, officials had determined that the larger group contained 33 people and that the death toll had risen to 11. 10 climbers were able to make their own way down the mountain, while six injured climbers were taken to medical facilities. Six others remained unaccounted for.

Russian investigators have also opened a criminal case concerning alleged negligence following the avalanche. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

The search for the six missing climbers is continuing.

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