Landslide in Racha region, Georgia (2023-08-21)

Activation date: 2023-08-21
Event type: Mass movement

Activation reason:
On the evening of 3 August 2023, a significant landslide struck the Georgian municipality of Oni, located in the mountainous region of Racha, Georgia. This event had a severe impact on the Shovi resort area, resulting in extensive destruction. Tragically, as of 10 August 2023, there have been 21 confirmed casualties, with 18 individuals still missing. The disaster led to the destruction of two bridges, the obstruction of roads with debris and mud, and ongoing rescue operations.The landslide is believed to have been triggered by the collapse of a rocky mass on the western side of the Buba glacier. This collapse caused a portion of the glacier to also give way, resulting in an overflow of subglacial waters. The resulting rapid flow of water was directed through the valley at high speeds, causing widespread damage.The CEMS Risk and Recovery Standard has been activated to assess the situation around the glacier and downstream valley both before and after the event. This activation will deliver:Digital Surface ModelReference datasetsLand Use/Land CoverFlood DelineationDetailed damage assessment analyses over affected areasImpact assessment/exposure analyses on assets and populationPost-disaster soil erosion risk assessmentPost-disaster landslide risk assessment