Death toll in Kabardino-Balkaria avalanche rises to 11 UPDATED

The number of climbers killed in an avalanche in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Republic has risen to 11, while six others have been injured, the regional office of the Ministry of Emergency Situations told TASS.

The avalanche struck a group of 15 climbers in the Bezengi Gorge after descending from 5,025-meter Mount Mizhirgi.

The fate of six other climbers remains unknown as search and rescue operations continue.

09:01

Seven people have been killed in an avalanche in the mountains of Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria Republic.

The tragedy occurred in the Bezengi Gorge, where an avalanche descended from 5,025-meter Mount Mizhirgi and buried a group of 15 climbers.

Rescuers and an Mi-8 helicopter were dispatched to the scene, with three survivors evacuated to Nalchik.

The search and rescue operation is ongoing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada