We received high-quality satellite photos that confirm the assessments made in the first report of the National Environment Agency - we will present the details and analysis of the photos to the public today, said the Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia.
According to him, one photo was taken on August 3, some time before the development of the disaster, where it can be seen that there is no change of any kind, and the second photo was taken after the disaster and it is confirmed that the disaster started with the collapse of the rock avalanche and then with the break of the glacier.
"First of all, I would like to once again express my deep sorrow regarding the grave tragedy that took place on August 3 in Shovi and express my condolences to the family, relatives and all of Georgia.
Naturally, there is a high interest in the society on issues related to the development of natural disasters. A few days ago, the National Environment Agency presented to the public the initial conclusion regarding the causes and extent of the disaster. The conclusion describes the time when the events took place. Specialists are still intensively working on additional details. Two days ago, we received high-quality satellite images that confirm the assessments made in the National Environment Agency's initial report. In particular, we have a photo taken on August 3rd, some time before the disaster, which clearly shows that no type of change has taken place. We have been hearing for several days that there was an accumulation of water, which is not true and which is confirmed by the mentioned photo. As for the second photo, which was taken after the disaster, it is confirmed how the processes developed, that the disaster started with the collapse of the rock avalanche and then with the breaking of the glacier. We are talking about a fairly large area, which was followed by further processes. Due to the high interest, we will present the details and analysis of the photos to the public today," said Otar Shamugia.
