At least 11 climbers have been killed and six others remain missing after a massive avalanche swept through a mountaineering group in Russia’s North Caucasus, authorities said Monday.

The avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria on Sunday, September 6, after descending from Mount Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in the region. Emergency officials said the disaster occurred at around 5 p.m. local time.

According to the latest information from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry, 10 climbers managed to descend the mountain on their own, while six others were injured and taken to medical facilities. Eleven people sustained fatal injuries, while the whereabouts of another six climbers remain unknown.

Authorities have expanded the search-and-rescue operation, with 56 rescuers and emergency personnel being deployed to the remote mountain area.

The operation is being severely hampered by the rugged terrain and the continuing danger of additional avalanches. Officials said rescuers are proceeding cautiously because further snow or ice movement could endanger search teams.

An Mi-8 helicopter operated by Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry and a commercial helicopter are expected to join the operation once weather conditions allow. Poor weather has so far limited the use of aircraft in the search.

The avalanche swept down the slopes of Mount Mizhirgi as the group was traveling through the Bezengi Gorge, an area known for its high-altitude peaks and challenging climbing conditions.

Reports said the incident involved a combination of snow and rock debris, while strong winds and unstable mountain conditions have complicated rescue efforts. However, authorities have not yet established a definitive cause for the avalanche.

The Bezengi region contains several peaks rising above 5,000 meters, making it one of Russia’s most demanding mountaineering areas.

Russian authorities have also opened a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disaster, with reports indicating that investigators are examining possible negligence.

Meanwhile, rescuers continue searching for the six missing climbers. Officials have stressed that the operation remains dangerous because of unstable slopes and the possibility of further avalanches.

The tragedy is one of the deadliest recent mountaineering accidents in Russia and has prompted an intensive rescue and recovery effort in the remote Caucasus mountains. (ILKHA)