Search efforts for 8-year-old Khizir Derbichev have continued for more than a week in Russia’s North Caucasus republic of Ingushetia, with more than 1,500 people involved in an expanding multi-agency operation.
The boy disappeared after jumping into the water in an attempt to rescue a drowning friend. His whereabouts have remained unknown for over seven days, Caliber.Az reports.
The search operation includes rescue services, volunteers, divers, and military personnel. K-9 units have also been deployed to assist in locating the child.
Authorities have established an operational headquarters in the city of Sernovodsk in neighbouring Chechnya to coordinate the effort. The centre was set up on the orders of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, and senior officials from Ingushetia have visited the site.
Officials involved in the operation include First Deputy Prime Minister of Ingushetia Magomed Yevloyev, State Duma Deputy Muslim Tatriev, Agriculture Minister Magomed Gagiev, and Malgobek district head Adal-Khamid Kostoyev.
The search has also drawn an unusual volunteer participant—a traveler from Uzbekistan reportedly undertaking a solo bicycle pilgrimage (umrah) who has already covered around 4,500 kilometres.
Rescuers are systematically combing a 24-kilometre stretch of riverbed, with operations continuing around the clock despite difficult weather conditions and strong currents. In some sections, authorities have temporarily reduced water levels in the Sunzha River using specialised equipment to aid the search.
During the operation, volunteers discovered a sewer discharge into the river, and some participants have experienced symptoms of poisoning, according to information shared by those involved.
Despite the challenges, search teams and volunteers from across the North Caucasus and abroad continue to join the effort, with many expressing hope that the child may still be found alive.
By Sabina Mammadli
