Death toll from Kabardino-Balkaria avalanche rises to 16

The bodies of two more climbers killed in an avalanche have been found during a search and rescue operation in the Bezengi Gorge of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.

According to Report, citing the press service of the regional office of Russia's Emergencies Ministry, the death toll has now risen to 16.

One climber remains missing, the ministry said.

Search and rescue operations in the area have been suspended due to worsening weather conditions and the risk of further snow and ice avalanches.

The search is expected to resume on September 13 with the use of an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to the Emergencies Ministry.

On September 6, an avalanche struck a group of 33 climbers on a route on Mount Mizhirgi in the Bezengi Gorge of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Fourteen deaths had previously been reported.