A massive avalanche has killed at least 11 people and left six others missing after a huge wall of snow and rocks tore down a mountain in Russia’s North Caucasus.
The avalanche struck Mount Mizhirgi, which rises to around 16,465 feet, at about 5 pm on Sunday, according to reports. A dramatic video shows an enormous cloud of snow and debris charging down the mountainside, travelling roughly 3,000 feet downhill and engulfing climbers in the Bezengi Gorge.
A group of 33 climbers was caught in the avalanche.
Ten people had managed to escape and make their way down the mountain by Monday morning, while six others were hospitalised. Six people remain missing as rescuers continue searching the area.
The scale of the rescue operation is significant, with more than 50 emergency workers deployed to search for survivors.
Russian authorities are also using Mi-8 helicopters to survey the mountainous terrain.
But the rescue operation is being made more dangerous by the possibility of further snow slides and the difficult terrain surrounding the disaster site.
Video footage recorded by tourists shows the avalanche exploding down the mountain, sending huge clouds of snow into the air.
The people filming the event reportedly did not initially realise that the avalanche had struck climbers and resulted in fatalities.
One person described the scene as something that looked like it belonged in a movie, while another questioned whether they should continue their journey after witnessing the enormous snow slide.
The exact cause of the disaster remains unclear.
One theory being considered is that a hanging glacier partially collapsed, triggering the massive flow of snow and ice down the mountain. Authorities have not yet confirmed this as the cause.
The avalanche occurred in the Bezengi Gorge, which stretches along the Russia-Georgia border.
Mount Mizhirgi is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, in Russia's North Caucasus, and is situated near Mount Elbrus, Europe's highest mountain.
With six people still missing, rescue teams are continuing to search the mountain.
However, the unstable conditions mean rescuers face the risk of additional avalanches while trying to reach potential survivors.
The incident comes after other serious avalanche incidents in the region. In January, an avalanche struck Mount Elbrus and engulfed a ski resort, with footage showing snow sweeping through areas containing trees and vehicles.
For now, rescuers remain focused on finding the missing climbers as authorities investigate what triggered one of the deadliest avalanche disasters reported in the region.
A mountain that looked calm from afar turned deadly in minutes — and the search for survivors continues.