All 17 climbers confirmed dead after Kabardino-Balkaria avalanche, Russia's worst mountain disaster since 2002
Rescuers have recovered the body of the 17th and final victim of an avalanche that struck a group of climbers in Kabardino-Balkaria on September 6, officials say. The search-and-rescue operation has now concluded.
A representative of the regional branch of Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry told RIA Novosti that rescuers have located the body of the 17th person killed in an avalanche in Kabardino-Balkaria, confirming that the search-and-rescue effort has come to an end. As of publication, however, the regional ministry's official website had not yet posted confirmation that the operation was over.
The avalanche struck on September 6 on Mount Mizhirgi, engulfing a group of 33 climbers on a slope in the Bezengi Gorge. By midday on September 9, rescue teams had already recovered 14 bodies, with three climbers still unaccounted for. Two additional bodies were found in the days that followed, while crews continued the search for the one remaining victim.
Among those who died were members of Russia's National Guard, who had traveled to the area to take part in mountain training exercises.
The disaster stands as the deadliest incident to occur in Russia's mountains since 2002.
