Environment Agency Head: Landslide developed instantly, making it impossible to prevent
Environment Agency Head: Landslide developed instantly, making it impossible to prevent

The National Environment Agency Head, Vasil Gedevanishvili, has reported that multiple groups of geologists from the National Environment Agency are actively working at the disaster site in Baghdati.

They are conducting a detailed study and analysis to determine if there is any additional danger. The agency plans to publish a comprehensive report shortly.

Gedevanishvili expressed deep sorrow regarding the incident and offered condolences to the families of the victims.

“The landslide caused about 150,000 cubic meters of material to fall from the rock, destroying residential houses. The landslide developed instantly, making it practically impossible to prevent.

The National Environment Agency conducts a nationwide threat assessment every year, identifying potential threats, which are numerous in Georgia. In this specific case, the slope in Baghdati was not directly evaluated, and the agency is actively working to provide more details,” he explained.

Gedevanishvili said that with climate changes, natural events have become more frequent globally and in Georgia. He emphasized that potential threats require additional research and study.

“Additional analysis of potentially landslide-prone areas is essential to assess the risks, but even then, it does not guarantee full protection against such events,” he added.

He clarified that there were no specific statements or messages received from the families before the incident, except for one statement related to falling stones on an adjacent slope.

Last night, a landslide hit Nergeti village of the Baghdati municipality in the Imereti region, trapping four houses.