At least 11 people died and six were injured when an avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region, according to local emergency services.
The avalanche occurred around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, cascading down Mount Mizhirgi, a prominent peak in the North Caucasus mountains. As of Monday morning, 10 climbers had descended the mountain on their own, while the status of six remained unknown.
More than 50 emergency workers, supported by Mi-8 helicopters, are involved in a search and rescue operation for the six missing climbers. Difficult terrain and the risk of further avalanches are hampering efforts. The six injured climbers have been hospitalized.
Dramatic footage captured the moment a wall of snow and ice crashed down the 16,465-foot peak, engulfing climbers in the Bezengi Gorge. The gorge is a large, glaciated mountain barrier situated along the Russia-Georgia border. One theory suggests a partial collapse of a hanging glacier may have triggered the avalanche.
In a separate incident earlier this year, a large avalanche hit a ski resort on Mount Elbrus, Europe's tallest mountain. The avalanche sent tourists scrambling for safety, with dramatic footage showing a torrent of snow descending the mountainside. Mount Elbrus, located in southern Russia, is a popular but challenging mountaineering destination, with an estimated 15 to 30 deaths annually, often attributed to unprepared climbers encountering sudden weather changes.