Avalanche Tragedy in Buryatia: State of Emergency Declared After Tourists Killed

A local state of emergency has been declared in Buryatia after a group of unregistered climbers was caught in an avalanche, leaving three dead and one missing. Regional head Alexey Tsydenov confirmed the measure on Saturday, warning that avalanche risk remains high across the area.

The group of seven was ascending Constitution Peak in the Munku-Sardyk mountain range on Friday when snow broke loose near the 26th Party Congress pass. Rescue teams later found three survivors, but the bodies of two men and one woman were recovered. Search efforts continue for a fourth climber, a man born in 1985.

Tsydenov has ordered additional inspections of popular routes and a full assessment of current conditions. “The danger has not passed,” he said in a statement. Authorities urge all travelers to register their trips and check avalanche warnings before heading into the backcountry.

The tragedy highlights the risks of unguided winter mountaineering in Siberia’s rugged terrain, where sudden weather shifts can turn a climb deadly in minutes.