PM thanks Russia for offering help in Dariali valley

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has thanked Russia for offering support to Georgia following a devastating landslide that claimed the life of a Ukrainian man.

The leader also expressed his condolences to the family of the Ukrainian truck driver who died after sustaining fatal injuries in the devastating landslide in Dariali valley.

"Today is the third day that we fight against the disaster. One person has died and seven are considered missing at this moment,” Prime Minister Garibashvili said.

"Despite the fact the rescue services provided timely aid to the Ukrainian citizen and immediately transferred him to hospital by helicopter, he could not be saved. I want to express deep sadness for his death and send condolences to his family,” read a statement released by the PM.

Garibashvili said a 24-hour special staff member was working at the site and authorities were working hard to continue search and rescue operations following Saturday morning’s landslide.

The Prime Minister said emergency service staff were "risking their own lives” as there was still a danger another landslide could happen.

"I want to especially thank them from me personally and on behalf of the Georgian Government.

"In addition, we want to thank the Russian side for offering hardware and other equipment support. In this difficult situation they promptly expressed their readiness for cooperation and support.”

The Prime Minister said the Government’s goal was to resolve the situation as quickly as possible and take care of citizens of any country who were in need of help.

Rescue workers are continuing to search for survivors and victims of the catastrophe.

It is believed one million cubic meters of land mass flew into the river during the landslide.

The major slip happened in the early hours of Saturday morning near Gveleti village, 20km away from where the Dariali Hydro Power Plant (HPP) is currently being built in northern Georgia, near the Russian border.