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The News in Brief

Friday, August 18, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Georgia's MFA Confirms Epicenter Search Completion and Expanded Exploration Efforts in Shovi

As reported by Temur Mghebrishvili, the head of the emergency management service at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, approximately 25 kilometers away from the disaster's epicenter in Shovi, the rescuers have purportedly located the body of a man. The body was subsequently transported to the Samkharauli forensic bureau in Kutaisi.

Mghebrishvili further elaborated that the search of the collapsed area at the disaster's epicenter has indeed been concluded and stated that they had actively commenced the introduction of heavy equipment into the riverbed while expanding the exploration efforts.

"At this phase, our primary focus lies on employing heavy machinery within the riverbed. The nature of the terrain has allowed us to glimpse water at depths of around 2 meters in specific spots. Our estimation is that we should search at depths ranging from 1.5 to 2 meters. We have designated sectors up to Ambrolauri, comprising a total of 18 sectors. These efforts involve equipment deployed within a 1.5-kilometer perimeter from the disaster's epicenter," detailed Temur Mghebrishvili.

Up to this point, rescue teams have recovered a total of 27 bodies from the Shovi disaster zone, with ongoing search operations targeting 6 individuals.



Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, Meets with Jerusalem's Patriarch Theophilos III

Irakli Gharibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, held a meeting with Theophilos III, the Patriarch of Jerusalem. According to the Prime Minister's press service, their discussions encompassed the historical bonds between the churches of Georgia and Jerusalem, as well as the present global situation. Both leaders underscored the paramount importance of global peace and stability.

"Theophilos the Third requested the Prime Minister to convey warm regards to the Georgian Patriarch Ilia the Second.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem offered his blessings to the Head of the Government of Georgia and the accompanying delegation, extending his wishes for their success," stated the Prime Minister's press service.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem hosted the Prime Minister at the Patriarchate.

Together with the delegation, Irakli Gharibashvili visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where they paid their respects at the tomb of Jesus and Golgotha.