We received high-quality satellite photos that confirm the assessments made in the first report of the National Environment Agency [NEA]. Such a statement made today the Minister of Environment and Agriculture, Otar Shamugia.

“First of all, I want 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 NEA 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 NEA’s initial report. In particular, we have a photo taken on August 3, 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 2nd 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”, - said Otar Shamugia.