Tourist killed in Svaneti avalanche, in Georgia

A tourist has died after being caught in an avalanche in Georgia’s mountainous Svaneti region, authorities confirmed to the press on Thursday.

The Emergency Management Service said the victim was a woman.

Kapiton Zhorzholiani, the mayor of Mestia Municipality, told the local media that the incident had occurred in Ushguli, where a group of four climbers had been skiing without a guide.

“One of the climbers was struck by an avalanche and did not survive. The others remained near the avalanche site but were unharmed,” he said.

Svaneti, known for its remote and rugged terrain, is a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. However, experts frequently warn of avalanche risks in the region, particularly for those venturing off marked trails.