Avalanche kills at least 11 climbers in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria

At least 11 people were killed and six others injured when an avalanche struck a group of climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s southern Kabardino‑Balkaria Republic, local emergency services reported. The slide descended the slopes of Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in the North Caucasus, overwhelming the expedition as it made its way down the mountain. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene, where they recovered the bodies of the deceased and provided medical assistance to the injured.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the incident and have warned of heightened avalanche risk in the region’s mountainous terrain this winter. The tragedy underscores the dangers faced by mountaineers in the North Caucasus, prompting calls for increased safety measures and monitoring of snow conditions on high‑altitude routes.