Deadly Caucasus Avalanche Strikes Climbing Group Near Elbrus
A massive avalanche swept down on a group of 33 climbers near Mount Mizhirgi in Russia’s northern Caucasus, around 5 p.m. at about 5,000 meters altitude near Europe’s highest peak Mount Elbrus. At least 11 were killed, 6 are missing, and 6 were injured and airlifted to hospitals; about 50 rescuers are involved, but difficult terrain and the risk of further avalanches hinder operations, with ten climbers escaping on their own.
