At least three killed, six missing, as landslide engulfs four houses in western Georgia

Three bodies have been recovered, while six are still missing in the village of Nergeti of Bagdati municipality of western Georgia, after a landslide engulfed four houses in the locality late on Tuesday. 

One individual has been rescued and brought to safety. Presently, efforts are underway to locate six more missing individuals. The primary cause of the disaster has been attributed to the excessive rainfall in the area.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has coordinated a response effort, mobilizing over 200 rescuers, alongside personnel from various ministry units and local authorities. Specialized equipment, drones, and a team of skilled dog handlers have been deployed to aid in the search and rescue operations. Temur Mgebrishvili, the head of the emergency management service, is overseeing the operation.

Two individuals lost their lives in separate incidents in the Khulo and Keda municipalities of the Adjara region of western Georgia on Monday. These fatalities were the result of avalanches and landslides triggered by heavy snowfall and intense rainfall.