On Geological Hazards in Georgia

Abstract

In Georgia, landslide and debris flow/mudflow processes and water erosion are at the top of problems due to related eco-geological disaster risks and negative impact. By the scale of development of these events and their negative impact on the population and economy of the country, Georgia occupies leading position among high land countries of the world. Besides, the almost whole territory of the country is under the risk of earthquakes, the magnitude of which is 7–9. Impact of such earthquakes is directly stimulating and provoking gravitational landslide and debris flow processes. In Georgia major part of the population, agricultural lands, roads, oil and gas pipelines, hydro-technical – melioration facilities, power transmission lines and mountain tourism zones periodically are subjected to disastrous processes and the areas under the risk are expanding substantially. Around 70% of the territory of the country, about 3000 settlements (62%) are under the risk of geological disasters; 14,2% of agricultural lands were seriously damaged by geological processes and require conducting of cardinal protective measures; and 13,1% of agricultural lands are located within the high risk area. Consequently, more than 80% of the economic damage was caused to mountainous regions and the majority of eco-migrants are from highland areas. This causes vacation of villages.