The Government of Georgia has designated January 9 as a national day of mourning in response to the tragic fire on January 5 in the Gali District of the occupied breakaway region of Abkhazia, which claimed the lives of five children.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, the government announced, "National flags will be flown at half-mast across the entire territory of Georgia. The Government of Georgia extends its heartfelt condolences to the affected families, communities, and the people of Georgia."

The victims of the fire are scheduled to be laid to rest on January 9.