At least 11 people have died and six others have been injured after an avalanche hit a group of climbers in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Russia.
The incident occurred on Saturday in the Bezeng Gorge, where the avalanche engulfed a group of 33 climbers, the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations announced on Monday.
According to authorities, 10 climbers were able to leave the area on their own, while the fate of six other people is still unknown.
56 search and rescue teams have been deployed to the scene, continuing operations to find the missing persons.
Authorities have announced that the operation is facing great difficulties due to the rugged mountainous terrain and the risk of further avalanches.
An Mi-8 helicopter and a commercial helicopter are also expected to be deployed to assist the teams, but air operations will only begin if weather conditions improve.
Russian authorities continue search and rescue operations, while families await information about the fate of those still missing.
