DEADLY AVALANCHE STRIKES CLIMBERS IN RUSSIA

 DEADLY AVALANCHE STRIKES CLIMBERS IN RUSSIA

At least 11 climbers have been killed and six others injured after a massive avalanche swept through a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s North Caucasus.

The avalanche struck the Bezengi Gorge in the Kabardino-Balkaria region at around 5 p.m. local time on Sunday, burying members of the climbing group.

While 10 climbers managed to make their way down the mountain, the fate of another six remained unknown, according to emergency officials. More than 50 rescuers were involved in the search, but difficult terrain and the threat of further avalanches have made the operation extremely dangerous.

Mount Mizhirgi is one of the highest peaks in Russia’s North Caucasus, with parts of the mountain rising above 5,000 metres.

???? A devastating reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the mountains