A devastating landslide has ravaged Kursebi, a village in western Georgia, leaving residents reeling. Approximately a third of the village was destroyed, forcing 45 families into temporary housing. The disaster began on March 12th when Otar Gogolashvili was awakened by his aunt’s frantic call about unusual sounds.
A massive crack appeared in his home’s foundations, triggering a desperate evacuation. Gogolashvili and his family fled, encountering a collapsing road and a stranded vehicle, narrowly escaping as a significant portion of the hillside gave way. “There’s practically nothing left,” he stated, overwhelmed by the loss.
Similarly, Khatia Berodze was alerted by her mother, who received a neighbor’s warning of an impending landslide. She quickly secured her son, Gabriel, and, along with neighbors, evacuated to safety, witnessing the terrifying rumble and cracking of trees. Rescuers ultimately gathered the displaced villagers in the yard of the village school, situated on higher ground.
More than 10 houses were destroyed, and up to 58 hectares of land, roughly a third of the village, were affected, including the Kutaisi–Tkibuli highway and part of the cemetery. Geologists are monitoring the unstable slope, but an accurate assessment remains impossible. All families are slated for permanent resettlement.
Many domestic animals were left behind, with some being rescued by their owners or neighbors. Residents are receiving temporary rental assistance, up to $370 per month, while authorities assess the damage and plan for compensation. “People are relying on whatever they managed to grab,” said Mariam Berodze, who monitors the situation from afar.
“It’s truly horrifying,” she added, noting the differing experiences of those whose homes were immediately destroyed and those observing the ongoing instability. The situation highlights the potential warning signs, with residents questioning whether they overlooked crucial indicators.
Topics: #landslide #georgia #there
