Davitashvili on Shovi Tragedy: "Some Disasters are Inevitable"

Minister of Economy, Levan Davitashvili, recently addressed his 2018 statement about the development of an early warning system, calling its recent attention "speculative". He emphasized that tragedies like the one in Shovi can be unavoidable, regardless of any preventive measures in place.

"We initiated a program in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund to study geological hazards in Georgia, aiming to develop a prevention system for such threats. However, I must stress that the kind of disaster witnessed in Shovi can be inescapable. Regardless of any existing or future systems, tragedies can strike, and no nation is exempt from this sad reality," expressed Davitashvili.

Leading geologists have shared similar sentiments on the Shovi disaster. Their consensus is that, even if there were an early warning system in place, it might not have halted the landslide's rapid progress or changed its tragic outcome.

Davitashvili also touched upon the country's resources in response to disasters. "While we aren't resource-strapped, it's crucial to acknowledge that we often find ourselves helpless against the might of natural disasters. This isn't a plight unique to Georgia; even the most developed nations occasionally grapple with the overwhelming force of nature. It's disheartening to admit, but there are times when individuals, institutions, and even entire countries are simply powerless to prevent or suppress nature's wrath."

On August 3, the Shovi resort, including the Sunset Shovi hotel, was severely impacted by a landslide. A swollen river also claimed a vehicular bridge. To aid in rescue and recovery, two Border Police helicopters were dispatched to the scene, joined by heavy machinery and 220 military personnel from the Defense Forces.

Official records state that 18 individuals perished in the landslide, with some bodies identified. Currently, contact has not been established with 18 people.