Geologic and morphologic characteristics of Nergeeti landslide, Imereti, Georgia

The fatal rock avalanche type landslide occurred in the northern part of the village Nergeeti (Imereti region) on February 7, 2024, which destroyed private houses, damaged a road, water supply, gas pipelines and different infrastructure objects, moreover, 9 persons lost their lives. The study area is located in the Khanistskali river valley and tectonically represents a frontal part of the Adjara-Trialeti fold-and-thrust Belt. Here, it is represented the data based on a detailed field investigation conducted to characterize the landslide body and identify its parameters (using a UAV). Slope is represented by the Middle Eocene (Zekari suite) volcanic and sedimentary rocks such as - tuffs, volcanic sandstones, volcanic breccias, and clays. These sediments are overlaid by the Quaternary diluvium-colluvium deposits. According to the local meteorological station, the total amount of precipitation during February 5-7 was 81 mm, which represents 46% of the entire month’s precipitation, generally. The AMSL of a main scarp and a base of the landslide body varies from 378 to 215 meters. Based on a DTM and field investigations, the total area of the landslide mass is 4.45 ha, while the height of a main scarp reaches up to 30 meters. The width in the upper part is 45-50 meters, while in the lower parts, it widens up to 140-160 meters. Moreover, nearby living 7 families were recommended to be moved to a low-risk area by the specialists of the Department of Geology of the National Environmental Agency. Event once again clearly shows the importance of integrating and advancing interdisciplinary methods in studying geohazards in a rapidly changing environment.