Georgian avalanches block Upper Lars border checkpoint

The Ministry of Emergency Situations of North Ossetia announced a complete ban on vehicle movement along the highway from Vladikavkaz towards the Georgian border. The Upper Lars checkpoint has suspended entry into Georgia.

The closure was done due to multiple avalanches covering sections of the highway on the Georgian side, making the route impassable. Since the Georgian Military Highway remains the only land route between Russia and Georgia, traffic from Vladikavkaz remains halted until Georgian side clears the road.

"All types of motor vehicles are prohibited from traveling on the Vladikavkaz-Lars section in the direction of exiting the Russian Federation from 5:20 a.m. on January 11, 2026, until further notice",

North Ossetia Ministry of Emergency Situations reported.

The ministry added that the measure was also taken at the request of Georgian authorities, who are currently conducting avalanche clearance operations.