Georgian GPO investigates causes of flooding casualties

The General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) of Georgia believes the deaths from the flooding could result from a breach of safety precautions committed during the construction of buildings lately destroyed by the natural calamity.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that at night on June 14, the capital of Georgia faced a heavy rain, which resulted in the flooding. According to the updated information, 17 persons were killed as a result of the disaster. Other five persons were put on the list of missing ones.

According to the GPO, the investigation into the possible violation of safety measures committed during the construction works and resulted in the deaths or other serious consequences, is being carried out in accordance with the Criminal Code of Georgia.

The investigation should determine whether the place in the Vere Gorge had been properly studied prior to the beginning of the construction works, whether possible risks had been considered, and whether the safety standards had been met, the press service of the GPO reports. Claudio Margotini, an Italian geologist, who works in Georgia on one of the projects of the Georgian Cultural Heritage Protection Agency, is also engaged in the study of the causes of the damage caused by the flooding.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.