First section of highway destroyed in June 13 flood will reopen on September 15

The results of intensive clean-up works are taking shape in Tbilisi, two months on from the deadly flood that  killed 19 people, devastated Tbilisi Zoo and left hundreds homeless.

Two people remain missing since the June 13 flood but since then authorities have conducted numerous searches and worked to rebuild the damaged infrastructure.

Today Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania said part of the New Highway (Chabua Amirejibi Highway) that connected Vake and Saburtalo districts will reopen to traffic on September 15. 

Based on the plan agreed with the contractor, the motorway route from Tamarashvili Street and then connecting Vake and Saburtalo central streets is scheduled to open on September 15,” Narmania said. 

The section of motorway connecting Tamarashvili Street with Heroes Square will also open at the same time,” said Narmania.

He added intensive works were ongoing on another section of the motorway and that was due to be completed by the end of the month.

A damaged road section after the June 13 flood in Tbilisi. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge. 

Narmania stressed efforts to rebuild the city had not stopped since the disaster struck and construction and renovation works were continuing every day and night.

It is believed the damage caused in Tbilisi in the June 13 flood exceeded 100 million GEL. 

As well as fixing vital infrastructure, Narmania said the local government was also trying to solve accommodation issues for the hundreds of residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the flood.

About 400 people from up to 80 families lost everything they owned as a result of Tbilisi flood. Photo by N. Alavidze/Agenda.ge

The flood is believed to have been caused by a landslide in nearby village Akhaldaba, which lies nine kilometres above Tbilisi. 

The landslide careered down the hill and blocked Vere River, before the river burst and tonnes of water and debris surged towards Tbilisi.