International Community Sends Its Condolences to Shovi Landslide Victims
International partners of Georgia have been expressing their solidarity and extended condolences to the victims of the Shovi landslide. Civil.ge has compiled the comprehensive list of these messages.
- 04/08/2023 – Landslide in Racha: Live Blog
Helsinki Commission: “Our hearts are with the people of Georgia following the tragic mudslides in Shovi. The United States and its people are with you”.
EU delegation to Georgia: “The EU Delegation to Georgia expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives due to the devastating landslide in Shovi. The Delegation is closely following the ongoing rescue and evacuation operations conducted by the relevant authorities, medics and individuals, and hopes that all those who remain missing or stranded in the disaster area will be able to safely return home”.
UNDP in Georgia: “Saddened by tragic events in the Racha region after the recent landslide. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those who lost their lives. Hoping for the swift and safe rescue of everyone still in the disaster zone”.
UN Georgia: “The United Nations in Georgia expresses profound sorrow over the lives lost due to the tragic landslide in Shovi, Racha on August 3rd. The UN extends its sincere condolences to the people and Government of Georgia, especially those who have lost family members in this disaster. Our hearts go out to those who are still unaccounted for, the injured, and the survivors. We recognize the heightened susceptibility of certain groups, including women and children, to the impacts of such disasters”.
Apostolic Nunciature in Georgia: “The Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the diplomatic corps acredited to Georgia express its sorrow and condolences for the deaths caused by the devastating landslide in the Shovi Region. We raise our prayers for the bereaved, injured and for the ongoing rescue of the 35 missing”.
US Embassy in Georgia: “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in Shovi and pray for those who are missing to be found soon. At this difficult time, the dedication of the first responders and the Georgian people’s unity and heartfelt support in the face of this tragedy is inspiring”.
Embassy of Turkey in Georgia: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the lives lost in the Shovi landslide. We express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. Our hearts are with you, Georgia!”
Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia: “The Embassy of Ukraine in Georgia extends its condolences to the people of Georgia and expresses its sincere sorrow over the tragic deaths of people as a result of a landslide in the Shovi Resort, in the Racha mountain region. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased. We bow our heads in mourning”.
Embassy of Austria in Georgia: “The Austrian Embassy Tbilisi extends its profound condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives as a result of the landslide in Shovi. The Austrian Embassy is continually tracking the ongoing rescue and evacuation activities and expresses its sincere wish that each and every person who is still missing or remains stranded in the catastrophe area safely returns home”.
Embassy of France in Georgia: “The Embassy of France in Georgia expresses its deep sorrow to the families of the victims of the devastating landslide in Shovi. Our thoughts are with all those who are lost or stranded in the disaster area and we hope that they will return to their families unharmed. We extend our support to all the professionals and individuals involved in the rescue efforts”.
Embassy of I.R. Iran in Georgia: “The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Georgia expresses its deep sorrow over the devastating landslide that occurred in Shovi on August 3, 2023. We extend our condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and the people of Georgia”.
Embassy of Japan in Georgia: “The Embassy of Japan in Georgia expresses its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives due to the devastating landslide in Shovi. We express our sincere wish that each person who is still missing or remains stranded in the disaster area safely returns home. We commend the voluntary activities of the first responders, rescuers, and police who continue to work tirelessly on the ground to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected. Such tragic events underscore the urgency of the global community’s commitment to disaster response and disaster risk reduction”.
Embassy of the Netherlands in Georgia: “The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Georgia is saddened by the tragic event in Shovi, Racha. We express our profound condolences to the people of Georgia and especially to all those who lost loved ones as a result of the landslide. We closely follow the ongoing search and rescue efforts, and deeply hope that all the missing will be found soonest and unharmed. The Embassy stands with Georgia in this time of grief”.
Embassy of UK in Georgia: “Deeply saddened by the loss of life in Racha. Our thoughts and prayers are with those whose loved ones have been lost or are still missing”.
Embassy of Greece in Georgia: “Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives during the Shovi natural disaster. Our thoughts stay with the families of the victims. Our hopes, wishes and encouragement accompany the rescue teams in their tireless efforts”.
Embassy of Sweden in Georgia: “Sweden stands in solidarity with Georgia in this hour of grief, and express our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the tragedy in Shovi, Racha. We follow rescue and evacuation operations and hope that those missing and stranded in a disaster area safely return home”.
Embassy of Switzerland in Georgia: “The Embassy of Switzerland extends its sincere condolences to the families of those who lost their lives to the landslide in Shovi and the people of Georgia. Today, the Swiss flag will fly at half-mast”.
Finland in South Caucasus: “We join in sending condolences for the victims and their families as well as solidarity for rescue efforts”.
German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer: “On behalf of Germany, I express my condolences on the lives lost in the mudslide at Shovi, Racha Province in Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved, the injured as well as all involved in the ongoing rescue operation”.
Israeli Ambassador to Georgia, Hadas Meitzad: “With heavy hearts, we are closely following the devastating natural disaster in Racha, our thoughts are with the families who have lost their loved ones and those who went through this traumatic event. Outmost respect to the brave rescue teams”.
Danish Ambassador to Georgia, Anne Toft Sørensen: “On behalf of the Danish embassy in Georgia let me express our deepest condolences in the midst of this terrible tragedy. Hope sincerely that all who are still missing will be found soon and being safe”.
Foreign Ministry of Estonia: “We mourn those lost in the devastating landslide in Shovi region and hope for the safe return of the missing. Our hearts go out to the people of Georgia during this time of tragedy”.
Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan: “We express heartfelt condolences to the families, who lost their loved ones in a massive landslide in Shovi, Racha, Georgia. We hope the dozens of people who are still missing will be found safe and sound. We stand with the Government and the people of Georgia”.
According to the Ministry, Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephone conversation with the Foreign Minister of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili. The minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, Georgia’s government and people, and wished a swift recovery for the injured. Expressing optimism for the finding of missing individuals, Minister Bayramov affirmed Azerbaijan’s continuous support and willingness to aid in rescue operations and disaster recovery. Minister Ilia Darchiashvili expressed gratitude for the demonstrated solidarity and support.
Additionally, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent his condolences to the victims of the disaster.
Foreign Ministry of Lithuania: “We extend our heartfelt condolences for those killed in the landslide that hit Georgia’s Shovi resort. We wish a speedy recovery for the injured ones and hope for the success of rescue efforts”.
Foreign Ministry of Romania: “Our deepest condolences to the victims’ families of the devastating landslide in Shovi, Georgia. We wish a speedy recovery to all affected and hope for the safe return of the missing”.
Foreign Ministry of Bulgaria: “Overwhelmed by the news of the devastating landslide in Shovi, Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Georgia, as we hope for a speedy recovery for the injured”.
Foreign Ministry of Latvia: “Deep condolences to the families of those perished and missing in the tragic landslide in Shovi region. We are in our thoughts with the people of Georgia and hope for safe rescue of missing people”.
Foreign Ministry of Slovakia: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically died following the devastating landslide in Shovi region. Our thoughts are w/ the people of Georgia and we hope for successful rescue efforts”.
Foreign Ministry of North Macedonia: “Condolences to the families of the victims of the devastating landslide in Shovi, Georgia. Our thoughts are with the people of Georgia hoping for the safe return of the missing”.
Foreign Ministry of Serbia: “Our deepest condolences to Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia and the people of friendly Georgia following the Shovi tragic landslide which has claimed lives. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families and friends. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured and lots of luck to the rescue teams”.
Foreign Ministry of Albania: “We extend our sincere condolences to the people of Georgia, which is mourning the victims of the devastating landslide in Shovi resort area. Albania wishes speedy recovery to all affected!”.
Foreign Ministry of United Arab Emirates: “The UAE has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Georgia over the victims of a landslide in the Racha region, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, and causing significant damage. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed the UAE’s sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of Georgia, as well as to the families of the victims, and its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured”.
Foreign Ministry of Israel: “Today, as Georgia mourns those who lost their lives at the devastating landslide disaster in Shovi, we stand in solidarity with the people of Georgia and share our deepest condolences. May there memory be a blessing”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Szijjártó Péter: “I expressed our sympathy to my Georgian colleague over the phone and offered Hungarian disaster relief assistance, if necessary. Ilia Darchiashvili accepted the offer with thanks, rated it as a true friendly gesture and pointed out that they would come to us if their own resources were exhausted”.
Foreign Minister of South Korea, Park Jin: “I express my deepest condolences and sympathies to the people of Georgia, particularly to those who have suffered from the landslide that struck the town of Shovi. We stand in solidarity with you and wish a quick recovery from the damage”.
The President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan: “My sincere condolences to the people of brotherly Georgia, families and friends of those killed by a landslide in Shovi resort area. Wishing speedy recovery to all affected”.
The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan and the Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan also sent their condolences to the families of the victims of the landslide.
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “We deeply sympathize with the Georgian society for the natural disaster that claimed the lives of people. We extend our condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured as a result of the landslide in the Racha mountain region”.
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi: “My sincerest condolences for families and friends who lost their beloved ones during the tragic landslide in Shovi, Georgia. Hope that the rescue & evacuation operations will succeed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Georgia”.
MEP, Viola von Cramon: “I am so sad to see these terrible pictures and hear the news from Georgia. My heart and my mind are with the victims of this natural tragedy in Shovi”.
High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell: “This summer, natural disasters are causing devastation around the world, endangering lives and destroying homes and livelihoods. Across the Mediterranean, wildfires are wreaking havoc. Slovenia and Georgia have been heavily impacted by floods and landslides. Climate change is an undeniable reality and poses a security threat globally. The EU remains committed to supporting those affected, from the fire-stricken areas in Greece to the victims of typhoons in the Philippines”.
NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Javier Colomina: “Deeply saddened by the tragic landslide in Shovi, Georgia. Heartfelt condolences from NATO to our Georgian partners. Thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones”.
EUMM Head of Mission, Dimitrios Karabalis: “On this day of national mourning, my heart goes to the people of Shovi as we all continue to grieve the lives lost. My thoughts are with the families of the victims and those still missing. The entire team at EUMM Georgia and I stand in unwavering solidarity with the affected”.
US State Secretary, Antony Blinken: “The United States offers our condolences for those affected by landslides in Georgia. We stand with our friend Georgia and commend the incredible dedication of first responders who are working tirelessly to save lives and attend to the injured”.
US Senator, Jim Risch: “I send my condolences to all those affected by the landslides in Georgia’s Racha region. The United States continues to support the Georgian people during this difficult time”.
In addition, according to Vatican News, “Pope Francis appealed to all the young people gathered in Lisbon for the final World Youth Day Mass to join him in prayers for all those affected by a landslide in Georgia that killed at least 17 people, while rescue efforts continue with 18 people still missing. He also expressed his closeness to the families of the victims and his support for the work of the search and rescue teams. Finally, he said, “I am close to my brother,” Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia”.
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