2021-10-11
Once again, I would like to express my deep sorrow; I am at a loss for words to describe what we are going through right now, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated in Batumi where he attended the public funeral of those in the recent residential building collapse.
"Once again, I would like to express my deep sorrow; it is hard to find words to describe what we are going through right now. An enormous tragedy has taken place in this city, and the whole country has taken this calamity to heart. I reiterate my sympathy to the families of the deceased, and I wish them strength and God's mercy," Irakli Garibashvili said.
For the public funeral at the Batumi Cathedral, the Prime Minister was joined by Parliament Speaker Kakha Kuchava, Vice Prime Ministers: Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani and Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Levan Davitashvili, also by Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri, Justice Minister Rati Bregadze, MPs, and Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara Tornike Rizhvadze.
The government representatives paid homage to the memory of the deceased and once again offered their condolences to the families of the victims.
The memorial service for the departed at the Batumi Cathedral was officiated by Metropolitan Dimitri of Batumi and Lazeti.
Irakli Garibashvili, together with Cabinet Members, also visited the family of Jemal Bauzhadze, of the victims of the residential building collapse. The Prime Minister paid homage to the memory of the deceased and extended his sympathy to the victim's family. The Head of Government also visited the Wall of Mourning on May 26 Street, one erected to symbolize the tragedy caused by the collapse of the residential building.
On the Georgian Government's decree signed by the Prime Minister, October 11 was declared Day of Mourning to commemorate the victims of the residential building collapse. Pursuant to the decree, state flags will be flown half-staff until midnight October 12, throughout Georgia.
Press Service of the Government Administration