An avalanche on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region has killed at least 11 climbers and left six others missing. The slide struck around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, September 6, in the Bezengi Gorge, hitting a group of 33 people. According to Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry, six climbers were injured and taken to hospitals while ten managed to descend the mountain on their own. Search and rescue teams continue working to locate the remaining missing members of the party.

More than 50 emergency workers are involved in the operation. Difficult mountainous terrain, poor weather and the ongoing risk of further avalanches have complicated the effort. Helicopters stand ready to assist once conditions improve and allow safer access to the high-altitude site. The avalanche originated on the slopes of Mount Mizhirgi, one of the prominent peaks in the North Caucasus range near the Bezengi area, a known destination for mountaineering.

Initial reports of the incident began reaching emergency services on the evening of September 6. Early figures were lower, but updated information confirmed the higher death toll and the number of people still unaccounted for. The group had been registered for activity in the area. Rescuers from the Elbrus high-altitude search-and-rescue unit and regional emergency services are among those deployed to the scene.

The Bezengi Gorge and surrounding peaks are recognized as challenging and high-risk mountaineering terrain. Avalanches and other mountain hazards are known dangers in the region, particularly at higher elevations. Authorities are monitoring conditions closely while the search continues. The injured climbers are receiving medical care, and officials have provided updates on the status of those who reached safety independently.

As the rescue operation proceeds, the focus remains on locating the six missing climbers and ensuring the safety of the teams working in the unstable environment. Weather improvements would allow greater use of aerial support to expand the search. The scale of the avalanche has been described by some local mountaineering figures as significant for the area.

The tragedy adds to the list of serious incidents in the Caucasus mountains, where demanding routes attract climbers each season. Emergency services continue to coordinate efforts under challenging conditions, with further updates expected as the search develops and more information becomes available about the missing members of the group.