Statement regarding the processes unfolding in Devdoraki
Hydrometeorology
According to the National Environmental Agency of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, on September 25 of this year at 06:22, the alarm system installed in the Devdoraki Gorge detected a mudflow event and immediately transmitted an alert signal to the Larsi border checkpoint.
A visual inspection of the gorge by Agency specialists revealed no signs of slope collapse or rockfall activity on the glacier or the surrounding area. The passage of the mudflow caused a temporary damming of the Tergi River by the Devdoraki River, resulting in a short-lived surge of water. The river's floodplain and channel near the border checkpoint safely accommodated the flow. Water levels in the gorge reached approximately 4 meters. Additionally, erosion of the river's right bank between the 134th and 135th kilometers of the Georgian Military Highway caused damage to the road. The alarm system in the Devdoraki Gorge was installed by the National Environmental Agency; its effectiveness has been tested and proven for gorges situated near road infrastructure, enabling the immediate implementation of protocol-defined actions.
According to the National Environmental Agency, the current risk level in the Devdoraki Gorge is minimal. The Agency recommended reopening the road following coordination with the Emergency Management Agency, the Patrol Police, the Revenue Service, the Border Police, the Kazbegi Municipality, and the Dariali HPP administration.
The alarm system in the Devdoraki Gorge remains operational, and a signal will be triggered immediately should similar events recur.
