KABARDINO-BALKARIA, Russia — At least 11 people have died and six remain missing after a powerful avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus.
The avalanche swept through the Bezengi Gorge at approximately 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, September 6, according to local emergency services. Six other climbers were injured, while 10 managed to descend the mountain without assistance.
• 33 climbers caught in the avalanche
• At least 11 confirmed dead
• Six climbers remain missing
• Six people were injured
• Ten descended without assistance
At least 11 climbers were killed and six others injured after an avalanche from Mount Mizhirgi struck a group of 33 climbers in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region. pic.twitter.com/uys0GkDHsK
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) September 7, 2026
Rescuers search for six missing climbers
More than 50 emergency personnel were deployed to search for the missing climbers, with specialist mountain rescuers operating in difficult high-altitude terrain.
Russia’s Emergencies Ministry said the operation was being complicated by the challenging landscape and the continuing threat of additional avalanches. Helicopters were reportedly being used when weather and visibility conditions permitted.
The avalanche struck one of the most demanding mountaineering areas in the Caucasus. Mount Mizhirgi’s western summit rises to approximately 5,047 metres, while its eastern summit stands at about 4,927 metres.
The mountain is situated near Mount Elbrus, which, at 5,642 metres, is widely recognised as the highest mountain in Russia and Europe.
Officials had not publicly identified the dead or missing climbers at the time of publication. The cause of the avalanche also remained under investigation.
What happened on Mount Mizhirgi?
Emergency services said the avalanche descended the mountain and hit the 33-person group in the Bezengi area. By 9 a.m. on Monday, September 7, ten members of the group had reached safety independently.
The confirmed toll of 11 deaths, six injuries and six missing climbers accounts for the entire group when combined with the ten people who descended safely.
According to a Reuters report, rescuers faced a high risk of further avalanches as they searched the mountain. Australia’s ABC News also reported that six climbers remained unaccounted for.
The disaster follows renewed concern about safety in remote mountain regions. In a separate incident, 20-year-old kitchen support worker Tashi Sherpa was found dead at Manaslu Base Camp in Nepal.
This remains a developing story. The casualty and missing-person figures may change as authorities continue the search operation.
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