An avalanche in the Bezengi Valley in Kabardino-Balkaria’s Cherek district on September 6 buried a group of climbers under the snow. Thirteen people were killed and six were injured.
The search for missing climbers, suspended because of poor weather, resumed on Wednesday morning.
Climbers advised to seek shelter during avalanches
The Russian Mountaineering Federation said climbers and tourists should first try to find safe shelter during an avalanche. The federation stressed that remaining in the avalanche’s direct path could be fatal.
According to the federation’s assessment, rocky outcrops and large boulders on slopes can serve as shelters that may prevent the avalanche from striking the body directly. Cracks in glaciers may also provide protection in some cases, although they carry a risk of falling and being swept away.
Glacier observation posts proposed for the summer months
A federation representative called for glacier observation posts to be put into operation in the mountains during the summer. Monitoring changes in the condition of glaciers and temperature patterns could help ensure that preventive measures against avalanche risks are taken in time during periods of melting.
Some of those killed were members of Russia’s National Guard.