An avalanche (file image)
11 killed in Russia avalanche, 6 remain missing
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- More than 50 rescuers are searching the mountain, but poor weather and the risk of more avalanches are slowing the process.
At least 11 people have been killed and six others injured after an avalanche struck a group of climbers in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus, local emergency services report.
Six climbers remain unaccounted for, and fears are growing for their safety as recovery efforts stretch into a second day.
The avalanche swept down Mount Mizhirgi, one of the highest peaks in Russia's North Caucasus, at around 5pm local time on Sunday, hitting a group of 33 climbers. The slide struck in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria.
As of 9am local time on Monday, 10 climbers had made their own way down the mountain, while the fate of six others remained unknown, emergency services said.
More than 50 emergency workers were involved in the search and rescue operation, but efforts were being hampered by difficult terrain and a high risk of further avalanches, they said.
The operation has since been expanded to include specialists from Russia's Elbrus high-altitude search-and-rescue unit.
Poor weather has further complicated the response, with a military Mi-8 helicopter and a commercial helicopter reportedly on standby to join the search once conditions allow.
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About the mountain
Mount Mizhirgi is a fold mountain in the Caucasus range and one of 12 peaks in the region standing above 5,000 metres.
Its glacial flanks demand technical mountaineering skill, making it a serious undertaking even for experienced climbers.
