Deadly Russian Avalanche Kills 11 Climbers in Kabardino-Balkaria



MOSCOW, September 7, 2026 — At least 11 climbers have died after a major avalanche struck a mountaineering group in Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus, triggering a difficult search-and-rescue operation in the mountainous terrain.

The avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi Gorge at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, September 6, striking a group of 33 climbers, according to local emergency authorities.



11 Climbers Confirmed Dead

Emergency officials said 11 people have been confirmed dead and six others were injured and taken for medical treatment.

Ten climbers managed to make their way down the mountain on their own following the avalanche. However, the whereabouts of another six members of the group remained unknown as of Monday morning.

Authorities have continued to update the number of casualties as rescuers reach areas affected by the avalanche.







Difficult Search-and-Rescue Operation

More than 50 emergency personnel have been involved in the search operation. Rescue teams are facing difficult terrain as well as the continuing risk of additional avalanches, making it challenging to reach parts of the affected area.

Officials said helicopters are expected to assist with the operation when weather conditions allow. An Mi-8 helicopter and a commercial helicopter have been mentioned as part of the planned search effort.

Rescuers from the Elbrus high-altitude search-and-rescue unit and regional emergency services have been deployed to the area.



Mount Mizhirgi in the North Caucasus

Mount Mizhirgi is one of the prominent high-altitude peaks in Russia’s North Caucasus. The mountain is located in the Bezengi Gorge, an area known for challenging climbing conditions and high-altitude mountaineering

The scale and terrain of the region can make emergency operations particularly difficult, especially when unstable snow conditions create the possibility of further avalanches.



Investigation and Rescue Efforts Continue

Authorities have not yet provided a definitive explanation for what triggered the avalanche. The immediate priority remains locating the six climbers who are still unaccounted for and ensuring that injured climbers receive medical care.

The search operation is expected to continue as weather and mountain conditions permit. Officials are also monitoring the area for further avalanche risks that could endanger rescue personnel.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the dangers faced by climbers in the North Caucasus, where rapidly changing mountain conditions can pose significant risks even to experienced mountaineering groups.



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