Archive · 8 Sep 2026
Avalanche Kills 11 Climbers on Russia’s Mount Mizhirgi
An avalanche is a fast-moving wave of snow and ice sliding down a mountain.
On Sunday, one hit a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia.
Local emergency services said at least 11 people died and six were injured.
Ten climbers were able to get down the mountain by themselves.
Six others were still missing on Monday.
More than 50 rescuers searched for them.
The rescue was difficult because the mountain was hard to cross.
Another avalanche could also happen, making the work dangerous.
An avalanche struck 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region.
At least 11 climbers were killed and six were injured, according to local emergency services.
Ten climbers reached the mountain’s lower areas on their own by Monday morning.
Six climbers remained missing as search operations continued.
More than 50 emergency workers faced difficult terrain and a high risk of further avalanches.
- Who
- A group of 33 climbers and more than 50 emergency workers involved in the rescue.
- What
- An avalanche killed at least 11 climbers, injured six, and left six missing.
- When
- The avalanche struck at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday; the search continued Monday.
- Where
- Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region, in the North Caucasus.
- Why
- The avalanche swept down the mountain while the group was climbing; difficult terrain and the danger of further avalanches hampered the rescue.
- Deaths
- At least 11 climbers
- Injured
- Six climbers
- Missing
- Six climbers
- Group size
- 33 climbers
- Rescue personnel
- More than 50 emergency workers
- Avalanche time
- Around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday
- Search status
- Operations continued Monday