Ingushetia, a fair was canceled to facilitate the search for a boy missing in a river

Today, a planned weekend fair was canceled in the city of Sunzha, Ingushetia. The administration's press service explained that the decision was made to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the smooth operation of the task force coordinating the search for the missing boy.

As a reminder, the search for eight-year-old Khizir Derbichev has been ongoing in Ingushetia for six days.

The tragedy occurred on June 15 on the banks of the Sunzha River near the village of Yandare in the Nazran District. Khizir was relaxing with friends when one of the boys fell into the raging current. The child managed to cling to a branch, but was unable to escape on his own. Khizir jumped into the water to help his friend. Adults soon arrived and rescued the boy, but Khizir himself was swept away by the rapid current. An emergency response center is currently operating in Sunzha, coordinating all activities. Hundreds of volunteers and dozens of vehicles are expected to arrive this weekend, not only from Ingushetia but also from other regions of the North Caucasus.

More than six thousand people from Chechnya, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, and Karachay-Cherkessia, including rescuers, police officers, and volunteers, are already participating in the search for the boy. The overall search area is divided into sectors and extends from the bridge in Karabulak to the border with Chechnya. The search zone has also been expanded into the Chechen Republic along the Sunzha River. Temporary closures of certain sections of the riverbed are being implemented for a more detailed survey of the riverbed.

Representatives of the Ministry of Emergency Situations in Ingushetia emphasize that the work is ongoing, but is being complicated by murky waters and ongoing rains. Despite the challenging conditions, rescuers, law enforcement officers, and volunteers continue their search day and night.

Residents throughout the North Caucasus and far beyond continue to follow and mourn Khizir's fate. Prayers are being offered in mosques for the successful outcome of the search, alms are being distributed, and hope for the mercy of the Almighty remains strong.