The Racha earthquake, measured at 7.0 Mw, occurred in the mountainous region of Georgia, an area recognized for its seismic activity. This earthquake produced a maximum shaking intensity of IX on the MSK scale, marking it as destructive with significant damage to buildings and infrastructure across affected areas. The town of Oni and surrounding villages experienced the brunt of the quake, with entire structures collapsing and critical infrastructure compromised. Rescue and recovery efforts were hampered by the mountainous terrain, complicating access to remote areas, necessitating immediate assistance from both local and international organizations.

The seismic event resulted in the loss of approximately 270 lives, with many more injured. Residents were caught off guard, as the shaking struck without warning in the early morning hours. Most fatalities occurred in residential buildings that were not constructed to withstand such intense shaking. Survivors faced considerable challenges, including displacement and lack of essential services, creating a humanitarian crisis that would require extensive recovery efforts. The government and local authorities rushed to provide aid, leading to a prolonged process of rebuilding and recovery that lasted years.

In the aftermath, discussions about earthquake preparedness in Georgia intensified, highlighting the need for better earthquake-resistant infrastructure. The tragedy raised awareness about seismic risks in the region, contributing to legislative changes and the establishment of building codes aimed at increasing resilience against future seismic events. This earthquake thus played a pivotal role in reshaping policies around disaster risk reduction and public safety.