At least 11 climbers died and six others were injured after an avalanche hit a group of 33 climbers on Mount Mizhirgi in Russia's Kabardino-Balkaria region in the North Caucasus around 5 p.m. local time on September 6, 2026 [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. The mountain, approximately 5,000 meters high near the Georgia border, is one of Russia’s tallest peaks and popular with hikers [2] [4].
By the morning of September 7, 10 climbers had descended the mountain on their own, six had been rescued or escorted down by rescuers, and six climbers remained missing or their fate was unknown [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]. Reports vary slightly on whether the six unaccounted for are missing or injured, though all sources agree at least six are unaccounted for or injured [3].
The rescue operation involved over 50 personnel, with some reports listing 56, working under difficult terrain conditions and the ongoing risk of further avalanches, complicating efforts, according to the Russian Emergency Ministry [1] [5]. A local Emergency Department branch confirmed 11 deaths and six climbers missing, stating in Chinese, “不幸的是，11人遇难。另有6名登山者的下落不明。” (Unfortunately, 11 people died. Another 6 climbers are missing) [4].
There is some discrepancy over the exact avalanche location. While most sources locate it on Mount Mizhirgi, one source placed it in Bezengi Gorge [1] [2] [3] [4] [5].
Russian prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation citing possible criminal negligence related to the incident [4].
Search and rescue efforts continue amid high risks, with authorities working to locate the remaining missing climbers. The operation remains ongoing as of the morning after the disaster [5] [1] [3].
