Key facts
- An avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's North Caucasus.
- At least 11 people were killed and six others injured.
- Ten climbers descended the mountain on their own.
- The fate of six climbers remains unknown.
An avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region, killing at least 11 people. Six others remain unaccounted for, while 10 made their way down the mountain. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing but hampered by difficult terrain and the risk of further avalanches.

The incident highlights the inherent dangers of mountaineering in high-risk regions and the challenges faced by rescue operations in severe weather and terrain conditions. It underscores the popularity and risks associated with climbing in the North Caucasus.
At least 11 people have died and six others were injured after an avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region, located in the North Caucasus. The incident occurred on Sunday around 5 p.m. local time, impacting a group of 33 climbers. As of Monday morning, 10 climbers had managed to descend the mountain, but the status of six others remained unknown. Over 50 emergency workers are involved in the search and rescue operation, which is being complicated by the challenging terrain and the high risk of additional avalanches. Kabardino-Balkaria is a popular destination for mountaineering in Russia, home to Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus.