Deadly snow slide in North Caucasus kills rescuer and two climbers

A deadly avalanche struck the Arkhyz ski resort in Russia’s Karachay-Cherkessia on February 19, claiming the lives of three people, according to emergency services and regional media cited by Russian media.

The snow slide occurred in the area of the Orlyonok ravine, where both rescue personnel and a group of climbers were operating at the time. Preliminary information indicates that two rescuers were caught beneath the snow mass: one died at the scene, while the second was injured and taken to the hospital.

The avalanche also swept over three climbers. One managed to escape independently and was hospitalised, while the bodies of the other two were later located and transported to Arkhyz.

Authorities also reported that part of the avalanche reached the nearby settlement, partially covering two private houses. Residents were evacuated quickly, and no casualties were recorded among the local population.

By Tamilla Hasanova