5 Years Since June 13 Tragedy

Five years have passed since the June 13 tragedy.

June 13, 2015, is one of the most tragic dates in the recent history of Georgia.

The disaster started late at night on June 13, 2015. 

The Vere river that divides the Vake and Saburtalo neighborhoods in Tbilisi and flows into the River Mtkvari, flooded the city center. The devastating flood claimed the lives of more than 20 people. Two persons were never found. 

As a result of the flood, the Tbilisi Zoo was almost completely destroyed. The flood swept away the animal cages, leaving some animals- tigers, wolves, bears, and Beglar the hippo, among others, loose in the streets; killing others in the flow of debris.

The tragedy left Tbilisi in a dire situation. More than 40 families were left homeless and 22,000 people were left without electricity. The Georgian government reported a preliminary estimated flood damage cost from GEL 40 million to 100 million.
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia will visit the June 13 memorial today to honor the memory of the deceased. 
 
By Ana Dumbadze 
 
Image: National Geographic Georgia 
13 June 2020 11:29