Heavy Rain Hits West Georgia

Strong rain and wind has hit all 12 municipalities of the Imereti Region, as well as the Samegrelo and Adjara regions of West Georgia.

The Imereti Governor's administration reports that central streets of Kutaisi, roads to the villages, farms, agricultural lands and residential houses have been flooded in all municipalities.

As reported, emergency headquarters have been created in all municipalities and works are underway to repair damage and re-open the roads. The emergency situation management service has also been mobilized.

A landslide has blocked the road to the village of Opeti. Gas pipes have also been damaged.

Due to abundant rainfall, the vicinity of the Parliament building in Kutaisi has also been flooded. 

Traffic is restricted on Irakli Abashidze Street, where Parliament is located. Two schools, hospitals and the Justice House were also flooded in the city.

Kutaisi's Mayor has arrived at the site and a special headquarters was set up. 

Rain also hit Guria Municipalities Lanchkhuti, Chokhatauri and the seaside town of Ureki, where streets and houses are flooded and movement on the roads is hampered.

Adjara was much affected by the disaster. Five cases of landslides were observed in Khelvachauri Municipality villages. Rain flooded the first floors of houses in the seaside towns of Poti and Kobuleti.

As for mountainous Adjara, landslides occurred in 10 villages of the Keda municipality and blocked roads to five villages in Khulo.

Head of Adjara Government, Zurab Pataradze, says that all the services are mobilized to minimize the effects of the disaster.

By Thea Morrison