Update: Abastumani Forest Catches Fire

Update 23:00 - Additional manpower and equipment has been sent to Abastumani, as new fire pocket erupted in the forest.

Georgia's Interior Minister Giorgi Mghebrishvili says that if necessary Georgia will address the friendly states for assistance. The Minister held a special meeting  in Abastumani, which was attended by heads of the relevant units of the Ministry.

"At the meeting it was noted that due to the relief of the forest it is necessary to cut roads in order to timely and efficiantly localize the fire," the statement of the Interior Ministry reads.

The fire-rescue equipment is mobilized on the ground. About 500 employees of the Interior Ministry and the Border Police Helicopter are taking part in the fire-fighting works. They will continue working continuously throughout the night.

13:00 The Emergency Situations Agency reports that fire has erupted in Abastumani forest, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region.

The Agency reports that manpower and proper equipment has been working at the ground. The helicopter is also involved in the works.

It is reported that around two hectares of forest is on fire.

Abastumani is the famous mountainous resort of Georgia, world-known for its mineral springs and thermal bathes.

By Thea Morrison