A landslide hit a resort area in the mountains of Georgia on Thursday 3 August, killing at least 18 people and leaving more than 20 missing.

The landslide hit the Shovi area, situated about 140 kilometres northwest of the capital Tbilisi, which is popular for its mineral springs and spectacular mountain landscapes, being at the confluence of two rivers, a popular destination for Georgian and foreign tourists alike.

Triggered by heavy rainfall and aggravated by the soil erosion in the area, the landslide is one of the most devastating natural disasters in the country over the last decades.

With search and rescue missions still ongoing in Shovi, Georgia are still mourning after this devastating landslide which affected so many lives.

As Georgia men’s youth national team is featuring at the 2023 IHF Men’s Youth World Championship, a minute of silence was observed before the game against Chile in Rijeka.

The IHF would like to extend the deepest and most sincere condolences to all the families affected by the tragic news in Georgia.