Flooding in Telavi, Georgia causes major damage to homes and infrastructure
Flooding in Telavi, Georgia
The city of Telavi, the capital of Georgia’s eastern Kakheti region, was partially flooded after heavy rains. A river overflowed its banks, and a bridge in the lower part of the city collapsed under the force of the water, flooding Kavkasioni and Alazani streets.
Floodwaters inundated homes, the ground floors and basements of apartment buildings, as well as shops, pharmacies, and other businesses.
The disaster damaged cars and brought down power lines. Some homes were left without electricity, gas, and water, and several families were evacuated as a safety precaution.
In the villages of Tsinandali, Kisiskhevi, and Kurdgelauri, ravines and gorges were filled with floodwaters and mudflows, while farmland and vineyards were inundated.
Local residents say hectares of vineyards have been completely destroyed, leaving them without this year’s harvest.
Emergency rescue teams and municipal services have been deployed to the affected areas. Crews are using heavy equipment to remove floodwater and mud, while traffic has been suspended in several parts of the city.
The governor of Kakheti said the damage caused by the disaster is significant. An emergency operations headquarters has been established to coordinate the response, and at its first meeting officials approved a plan to prevent the disaster from spreading further.
Infrastructure Minister Revaz Sokhadze said all relevant government agencies have been mobilized to respond to the disaster.
Environment and Agriculture Minister David Songulashvili said the damage will be assessed, after which recovery work will begin as soon as possible.
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