4 Years on from Destructive Tbilisi Flood

Today, June 13, four years have passed since the devastating flood of Tbilisi. The night of June 13, 2015 affected thousands of residents of the capital, as well as its infrastructure, and resulted in 21 casualties. The bodies of two of the deceased have not been found yet.

The natural disaster damaged a number of houses, and businesses, leaving dozens of families without shelters and any source of income. In addition, it almost fully destroyed the Tbilisi Zoo and the territory of one of the most picturesque parks of the Georgian capital – Mziuri.  Many animals drowned in water, while others escaped from the zoo.  

The damage, caused by the flood, reached over 100 million GEL, as evaluated by the World Bank.

However, June 13 is memorable for yet another fact. This date has at some point become the symbol of unity, courage and solidarity, as after the disastrous flood, thousands Georgians, as well as the foreign guests of country of every age, united for the mutual aim to volunteer and somehow assist those, affected by the disaster and rehabilitate the infrastructure of Tbilisi. The groups of youngsters were working in the vicinities of the damaged territories, or offering help in some other way.

The finances, allocated from the companies and general population regarding the case, also much contributed to the fast eradication of damages, as they managed to raise $2 million in just two days.

Today, four years later after the flood, much has been changed in the capital of Georgia in terms of infrastructure. The roads and houses, as well as the parks have been revived or are under this process currently. The Tbilisi Zoo has been restored and has added many new animals. But, 21 Georgians, who lost their lives during the tragic night, remain the horrible pain for the entire country and nation.

By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya