Racha, Georgia – A tragic landslide in the western Georgian region of Racha has left at least seven people dead, and more than 30 others are still unaccounted for, as reported by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday. Rescue teams are on-site, and the army has been called in to assist with the search efforts.

The prime minister shared the grim news, stating, “Unfortunately, seven bodies have been found so far. It is a very difficult situation… They are looking for more than 30, but let’s wait for the results.” Authorities have successfully evacuated 140 individuals, utilising two helicopters and rescue dogs in their search efforts.

Images from the scene depicted rescue workers sifting through debris, partially buried under the displaced earth. Both manual labor and excavators were employed to clear the affected areas.

The landslide struck on Thursday in Shovi, a small resort area in Georgia’s mountainous northwest, renowned for its vast forests and natural springs. The incident is believed to be a result of a combination of factors, according to Merab Gaprindashvili, a geologist from Georgia’s National Environmental Agency. He explained that the intense melting of two glaciers in the river’s headwaters, coupled with heavy rainfall, contributed to the landslide. However, Gaprindashvili reassured that such an event is unlikely to recur.

Georgia’s rugged terrain and steep slopes make it susceptible to heavy rains and flooding, which pose a risk of landslides. The 2008 landslide in the southern Black Sea region of Adjara, which claimed six lives, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with such geographical features.

The disaster in Racha has devastated the local community, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate and rescue those still unaccounted for. As the situation unfolds, Georgia’s government and emergency services are pooling their resources to address the immediate challenges and provide support to the affected families.