Avalanche kills two climbers in Russia's Bezengi gorge, 10 missing

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An avalanche struck a group of 15 climbers in the Bezengi gorge of Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria on September 6, killing two. Three injured climbers were evacuated by helicopter to Nalchik, while 10 remain missing. Search operations continue amid difficult terrain and ongoing avalanche danger.
Key Facts
- The avalanche occurred on the slope of Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi gorge on September 6.
- Two climbers died and three were injured, according to preliminary data from Russia's Emergencies Ministry for Kabardino-Balkaria.
- Ten climbers remain unaccounted for after being buried by the snow mass.
- Rescuers used a Mi-8 helicopter to evacuate three injured climbers to Nalchik on the evening of September 6.
- An additional 25 Emergencies Ministry personnel and six rescuers from the Kabardino-Balkaria fire and rescue service joined the search.
The Avalanche
The avalanche struck a group of 15 climbers on the slope of Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi gorge on September 6. The snow mass buried the climbers as they were traversing the route. Preliminary data confirmed two deaths and three injuries, while 10 people remained under the snow. The Emergencies Ministry's Elbrus high-altitude search and rescue team and an operational group from the regional department were dispatched to the site.
Rescue Operations
By the evening of September 6, rescuers used a Mi-8 helicopter to evacuate three injured climbers to Nalchik, where they were handed over to the Disaster Medicine Center. The search for the remaining 10 climbers continues, complicated by difficult terrain and persistent avalanche danger. An additional 25 Emergencies Ministry personnel and six rescuers from the Kabardino-Balkaria fire and rescue service have been brought in. A Mi-8 helicopter is planned to be redeployed at daylight on September 7.