Emergency teams have rescued about twenty vehicles stranded in a mountain pass in Southern Russia. The vehicles were trapped following several avalanches. Rescuers are now trying to clear snow and remove the danger of further avalanches.

The Trans-Caucasian highway remains closed, all traffic between North and South Ossetia stopped flowing several days ago.

Although Russia's Emergencies Ministry warned all drivers that there is a danger of avalanches along the highway, 19 vehicles got trapped at the border.

Fortunately, according to the Emergencies Ministry spokesman, their lives are out of danger.

Many people both in South and North Ossetia usually receive text messages on their mobile phones warning of possible avalanches on the Trans-Caucasian highway. But the alerts are given so often during winter that many travellers ignore them and set off anyway.

Emergency crews have already contacted the drivers and are preparing to supply the group with food.

Although the drivers refuse to return to South Ossetia, it may be the only solution for them. Indeed, weather forecasts predict heavy snowfall during the next three days, which makes it impossible for authorities to clear the danger of avalanches along the road.