Foreign dignitaries send condolences to Georgia for the tragic collapse of a residential building in the Georgian Black Sea town of Batumi on October 8 causing the death of nine.
The Apostolic Nunciature of Pope Francis 'joins in thoughts and prayers to those of the whole of Georgia for the eternal rest of the victims of the Batumi tragedy, for survivors that they may find comfort in their faith, and in gratitude to all who assist':
The Apostolic Nunciature of Pope Francis joins in thoughts and prayers to those of the whole of Georgia for the eternal rest of the victims of the Batumi tragedy, for survivors that they may find comfort in their faith, and in gratitude to all who assist. ???????? pic.twitter.com/EbYNPsd4Kq
— Apostolic Nunciature in Georgia (@NunciatureGeo) October 9, 2021
President of Montenegro Milo Dukanovic has sent his 'sincere condolences' to his Georgian counterpart Salome Zurabishvili:
Sincere condolences to @Zourabichvili_S on the occasion of the tragedy that hit the city of Batumi taking 9 lives, including three children. Montenegro stands with friendly Georgia and its people.
— Milo Đukanović (@predsjednik_cg) October 10, 2021
Armenian President Armen Sarkissian has also joined in other leaders:
Please accept my deepest condolences over the collapse of a building in the city of Batumi, as a result of which there are victims and wounded. My sincere sympathies and support to the families of the victims and wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.https://t.co/BsLVYR29fo pic.twitter.com/ACmw31CpWC
— ՀՀ նախագահ | President of the Republic of Armenia (@Arm_President) October 10, 2021
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is also 'deeply saddened' by news of a building collapse in Batumi:
Deeply saddened by news of a building collapse in Batumi. My thoughts are with the relatives and friends of the victims. I wish a full recovery to the injured. Georgian friends, please accept our deepest sympathy and solidarity. @DZalkaliani @MFAgovge
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) October 9, 2021
Lithuania stands with Georgia in grief as well:
A very sad day as #Georgia mourns tragic loss of lives & heavy injuries after the collapse of a residential building in #Batumi. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased and injured. Lithuania???????? stands with you in your grief.
— Lithuania MFA (@LithuaniaMFA) October 9, 2021
Foreign ambassadors to Georgia have also expressed their sorrow for the tragic incident in Batumi.
European Union Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell:
Let me join the citizens of Georgia in their moment of grief, and extend my deep condolences to the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives in Batumi last Friday.
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) October 10, 2021
Ambassador of Romania Razvan Rotundu:
Heartfelt condolences to the Georgian people for the tragedy in Batumi, in which nine people lost their lives. pic.twitter.com/nlA5fY9a96
— Răzvan Rotundu (@Razvan_Rotundu) October 9, 2021
Ambassador of Israel Ran Gidor:
ისრაელის საელჩო ღრმა მწუხარებას გამოთქვამს ბათუმში მომხდარი ტრაგედიის გამო და უსამძიმრებს გარდაცვლილთა ოჯახის წევრებსა და ახლობლებს და სრულიად საქართველოს. pic.twitter.com/zbEACYkgbN
— Ran Gidor (@GidorRan) October 9, 2021
Ambassador of France Diego Colas:
All my thoughts fly towards Batumi in grief. ???????? embassy and institute join ???????? in mourning the loss of life in the building collapse, in wishing recovery to the wounded and comfort to the grieving, and in admiring the relentless work of rescue workers since yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ezBuXzsBiB
— Diégo Colas (@ColasDiego) October 9, 2021
Ambassador of Norway Helen Sand Andresen:
????????Embassy deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Batumi building collapse. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured, and express our admiration for the work of rescue teams and first responders. pic.twitter.com/4X46r4yQ3c
— Helene Sand Andresen (@SandAndresen) October 10, 2021
Ambassador of the Netherlands Maaike Van Koldam:
My heart goes out to the victims, their families and all those affected by the collapse of the apartment building in Batumi. I salute the rescue workers who are giving their very best to save lives. pic.twitter.com/AgNG5aqqNi
— Maaike van Koldam (@MaaikevanKoldam) October 9, 2021
The Georgian foreign ministry is grateful for the international support and solidarity:
We highly value the support of our int'l partners and friends, expressed after the #Batumi tragedy, where the collapse of the residential building took 9 lives. Entire ???????? mourns the victims of the horrible incident. Many thanks to all of you for warm words! #StrongerTogether
— MFA of Georgia (@MFAgovge) October 10, 2021
A total of nine people, including three minors, have died following the collapse. Three individuals have been detained for the illegal construction works in the building leading to its eventual collapse.
Flags on all government buildings in Georgia will be flying at half mast on Monday as October 11 has been declared a day of mourning.