Landslide Disasters in Adjara and Imereti Result in Fatalities
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, February 8, 2024
On February 5, in the high-mountainous Adjara region, tragic incidents occurred as a result of a landslide and avalanche triggered by heavy snowfall, claiming the lives of 2 individuals. Following this, on February 7, a landslide struck the village of Nergeeti in the Baghdati municipality, Imereti, resulting in the unfortunate loss of 8 lives. In response to these disasters, over 90 families have been relocated to shelters.
First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Ilia Begiashvili stated that there was no prior information indicating that the Nergeeti village was at risk of landslides.
"There was no such information suggesting that this area was prone to landslides. Professionals may provide a more detailed explanation, but residents have lived here for decades, and they do not recall any such incidents occurring before," he remarked.
The majority MP Bezhan Tsakadze reiterated that the area was not considered prone to landslides.
"They will fully investigate not only this slope but also these areas. For so long, there was no notice that there is a landslide-prone zone here, and this disaster happened; everything was over in 20 seconds, as the residents explained to us," Tsakadze said.
However, in the newsletter of the National Environment Agency, which included the results of the natural geological processes' development in Georgia in 2022 and the forecast for 2023, it is noted that the activation of landslide processes was predicted in the village of Nergeeti.
Government leaders have responded to the tragedy and expressed their condolences to the affected people.
"I express my grief about the tragedy that occurred in Western Georgia, claiming the lives of many people. My heartfelt sympathies go out to their families, friends, and loved ones," said Prime Minister Candidate Irakli Kobakhidze.
"The tragedies resulting from the natural disasters in the village of Nergeeti in Baghdati municipality and the Adjara region are deeply saddening. My condolences go out to the family members and relatives of the deceased. Each of us shares in this loss.
Our courageous rescuers are tirelessly working in search and rescue operations. Our prayers are with those who are still missing," wrote Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili.
Mayor of Tbilisi Kakha Kaladze commenced the meeting of the Tbilisi government by offering condolences.
"First and foremost, I want to address the natural disaster that occurred late last night in the village of Nergeeti, Baghdati Municipality, which has deeply affected all of Georgia. Landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, have resulted in loss of life. The firefighters and rescuers of the Emergency Situations Management Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are working tirelessly.
Additionally, in the Adjara region, a natural disaster in Kedi municipality has led to casualties. We mourn the loss of Temur Baramidze, an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who tragically lost his life in a landslide. My condolences go out to the family members, their relatives, and the entire nation of Georgia," stated Kaladze.
