A shocking avalanche in Russia! A massive snow and rock mass broke off from the mountain like this

A massive avalanche struck Mizhirgi Mountain in Russia's North Caucasus region around 17:00 on Sunday. During the disaster on the 5,020‑metre‑high mountain, a huge mass of snow and rock broke off the slope and was rapidly dragged downhill.

The moment of the avalanche was also captured on camera. The footage showed a huge amount of snow and rock racing down the mountain slope at great speed, and within a short time, massive snow clouds rose over the area.

11 People Lost Their Lives

During the disaster, it was reported that 33 climbers in the area were affected by the avalanche. The horrific incident resulted in at least 11 people losing their lives, 6 people going missing, and 6 others being taken to hospital as injured.

Search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts to reach people who may have been trapped under the snow.

More than 50 Teams in the Area

After the avalanche, a comprehensive search and rescue operation was launched in the area. More than 50 emergency personnel joined the efforts, while Mi‑8 helicopters are conducting aerial searches in the difficult terrain.

The teams' work is being carried out with difficulty due to the ongoing new avalanche risk in the region and the harsh conditions of the mountain. Heavy snow and steep terrain are hampering the progress of the rescue operations.

The Cause of the Avalanche Is Being Investigated

While the definitive cause of the avalanche has not yet been determined, experts are focusing on the possibility that a partially collapsed hanging glacier in the area may have set the large snow mass in motion.

Authorities said they are prioritizing the safety of the teams in light of the possibility of another avalanche in the area, while continuing search and rescue efforts to locate missing climbers.