Geomorphologist Torres: Shovi landslide speed could reach 30 km/h, hard to predict

13:48, 07.08.2023

“Predicting the occurrence of the type of landslide that took place in Shovi is very challenging,” Imedi TV released the comment by Raymond Torres, a geomorphologist and professor at the University of South Carolina.

Torres explained that the landslide at Shovi is classified as a Debris-flow type landslide, which mainly occurs in a combination of factors, including abundant water, abundant loose debris, and steep topography.

“These conditions are prevalent in Georgia’s mountainous regions. The flow speed of such landslides can reach up to 30km/h, and the mass increases as it moves, leading to its destructive nature. There are other types of landslides that are much slower and result in less catastrophic consequences.

Predicting the type of landslide that occurred in Shovi is difficult,” he added.

By - Tamar Tabatadze

Society

Raymond Torres

Shovi landslide