Otar Shamugia Addresses Shovi Disaster: Findings and Facts Over Speculation

Minister of Environment Protection and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia, provided insights on the preliminary assessment of the Shovi disaster after a government session. This initial evaluation, meticulously conducted by the National Environment Agency's experts, utilized diverse information sources, analysis, and hands-on site inspection.

"Georgia mourns today, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and our nation for the lives lost in this profound tragedy, one that was beyond our capacity to prevent. At a recent briefing, we shared the initial insights from the National Environment Agency's professionals. Their round-the-clock efforts enabled us to present these findings swiftly. It's deeply concerning to hear political figures casting doubts on these specialists' dedication and capabilities. Their expertise is invaluable, and their swift analysis was based on the available data. Such skepticism undermines the professionals' dedication and is entirely unfounded. Our focus remains on investigating the affected valley and discussing preventive measures for the future," Shamugia remarked.

Shamugia elaborated on the event sequence: "The calamity's onset was marked by a rock mass collapsing west of the Buba glacier. This moving mass collided with the glacier, instigating a sequence of landslides that eventually culminated in the flood. The entire series of events, from the initial collapse to the flood reaching the disaster zone, transpired in approximately 8-10 minutes."

Addressing the rumors around water levels, he stated, "We've encountered misconceptions regarding water level fluctuations. Our data from the Chanchakhi River's hydrological station indicates no significant deviation in water levels before or during the event. This suggests there wasn't any prolonged water accumulation, which would have certainly influenced river flow and levels."

Concluding, Shamugia emphasized the unpredictability and complexity of the event. "The rapid and multifaceted nature of this disaster renders it almost impossible to prevent, even in the most advanced nations. I urge politicians and the public to respect and acknowledge the hard work and findings of our specialists and refrain from political conjecture," said Otar Shamugia.