A deadly landslide has resulted in the loss of at least seventeen lives, with 18 others reported missing as of August 6.
The August 3 disaster happened in Shovi, located in western Georgia’s Racha region, 85 miles from the capital, Tbilisi. Shovi is a renowned resort area, celebrated for its verdant forests and pristine springs.
Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, provided insights into the situation, confirming the recovery of individuals and the ongoing search for the remaining missing persons. He enlisted the military’s assistance in the search operations. The interior ministry successfully evacuated 200 individuals from the impacted zone. Rescue personnel, aided by helicopters and trained rescue dogs, are diligently working through the rubble. Roads, bridges and other infrastructure were affected, hampering rescue efforts.
Merab Gaprindashvili, a geologist affiliated with Georgia’s National Environmental Agency, offered an explanation for the landslide’s occurrence. He cited the melting of two upstream glaciers and recent heavy rainfall as contributing factors. Historically, Georgia has encountered natural calamities, with landslides being a periodic issue due to the region’s inclined terrains. A 2008 landslide in the southern Black Sea region of Adjara resulted in six fatalities.
August 7 has been designated a national day of mourning in Georgia, with flags to fly at half-staff.
