Search, rescue works continue in Shovi resort following landslide

Search and rescue works are continuing in the western Georgian municipality of Oni following the landslide killed at least 18 in the Shovi resort five days ago, with the latest casualty discovered on Sunday.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs on Sunday confirmed the latest body was found by a crew of the Emergency Situations Management Service while, and added over 200 people had been evacuated from the area.

Over 200 people has been evacuated from the area. Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs

The body said two crews of border police helicopters had resumed work in the disaster zone.

Police units, K-9 specialists of the Emergency Situations Management Service, employees of the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Infrastructure's Roads Department are involved in the operation. Drones and special equipment are [also being used] on the ground as well”, the Ministry said.

Two crews of border police helicopters had resumed work in the disaster zone. Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs

The Roads Department of Georgia on Sunday said 85 units of heavy equipment had been allocated to “seven priority directions”.  

One of the priorities was to build a road in the direction of sour springs and ford the river, which has already been completed. Accordingly, three units of equipment have been moved to this area along with rescuers, with search operations already underway”, the Department’s Deputy Chair Papuna Gamkrelidze said.

Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs

Gamkrelidze added preventive works were also being carried out on the Bdghviora River “at the request of locals”.