Rescuers save 14 climbers in blizzard on Mount Elbrus, five dead

Gulf Today Report

Five climbers have died after a blizzard on Mount Elbrus, the Russian Emergency Ministry said on Friday, in one of the worst tragedies in recent years on Europe's highest peak.

Elbrus, a dormant volcano in Russia's North Caucasus region, is the highest mountain in Europe with 5,642 metres (18,510 feet) and is experiencing a national tourism boom due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Thursday's incident struck when the weather turned on the climbers at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet).

“Unfortunately, five people have died,” the emergency ministry said.

The remaining 14 climbers were taken down to the Azau valley below and the rescue was carried out for nearly five hours in the most difficult conditions, with strong winds, low visibility and sub-zero temperatures, the ministry said.