Search and Rescue Operations Continue Amidst Shove Landslide Aftermath

On August 3, a devastating landslide occurred in the Shovi resort town, Oni municipality, impacting the vicinity of the Sunset Shovi hotel. The landslide left cottages and other structures near the hotel buried beneath a significant amount of debris, although the hotel's primary building remained intact.

Now into the second day, search and rescue operations persist in the disaster zone. As per the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a wide array of units and nearly 400 fire-rescue workers are tirelessly working on the ground.

Yesterday, a Mi-8 type rescue and transport helicopter was engaged in evacuating residents and tourists from the disaster-stricken area. The helicopter managed to securely evacuate 150 people before nightfall. However, operations ceased during the night due to poor visibility caused by adverse weather conditions and darkness. Operations resumed with the break of dawn.

Irakli Karseladze, the Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, has reported that all individuals who were in safe areas with police and rescue teams have now been evacuated from the disaster zone. However, at present, contact with 31 people remains unattainable.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that from 06:00 this morning, two Border Police helicopters have joined the rescue efforts. The search and rescue operations have been further complicated as rescuers are unable to access the area due to the landslide. Consequently, road and area clearing efforts are underway with the assistance of specialized equipment.

Geologists have explained that the landslide event resulted in the movement of over 5 million cubic meters of solid material.