Death toll climbs to 24 in western Georgia landslide

Death toll has reached 24 in a deadly landslide in Georgia’s western resort of Shovi, Racha region, Irakli Karseladze, the Infrastructure Minister confirmed on Friday. 

The disaster hit the resort in Oni municipality last Thursday, with 800 professionals currently engaged in search and rescue efforts. 

At least eight individuals are still missing, officials said. 

The search and rescue efforts come amid the allegations to the authorities about the absence of early warning systems, special helicopters and the late response to the specific disaster. 

The officials call the allegations “unfounded”, adding the early warning systems would cover the country “soon”. 

They also say one of three helicopters purchased from a French manufacturer would be handed to them in about 17 months.