Rescuers save 16 lives as storm hits Georgia’s west coast
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Rescuers saved the lives of 16 people who were caught up in a major storm in Georgia’s west coast yesterday.
Emergency respondents from Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs assisted 16 people including several tourists, who were on the Black Sea shoreline when heavy rain and strong winds shook the coastal Adjara region.
People were also evacuated from flooded homes in the region’s main town, Batumi.
Emergency services fielded about 60 calls from people who were in need of immediate help during the storm, said the Ministry today. Every call was responded to and people were given adequate support, said the agency.
Flooded streets in Batumi. Photo by Tako Chelidze.
No deaths were reported following yesterday’s bad weather.
Beaches in Batumi and along the coastline have been temporarily closed and swimming prohibited since yesterday, as a category 3-4 storm continues to rage out at sea.
Local authorities said the heavy rainfall yesterday caused significant damage to a 300-500m section of the coastal boulevard in Batumi. The wild weather also damaged several outdoor lighting poles and seating benches.
Local authorities said €12 million has been allocated from the Municipality Development Fund to fund new coastal construction works, which are due to begin at the end of October.
Meanwhile weather forecasters predict clearer days ahead with periods of cloud and sunshine.
A powerful storm is lashing western Georgia’s Adjara region where heavy rain is causing havoc on infrastructure in Batumi.
Georgian all three ports have been closed for navigation due to storm and bad weather, Georgia’s Maritime Transport Agency stated today.
A powerful storm is lashing western Georgia where heavy rain is causing havoc on infrastructure in Poti and Batumi. Initial reports claim the magnitude four storm has damaged infrastructure and caused major flooding in coastal areas.
Holiday-makers and locals at the Black Sea coastal resort town Batumi are being advised not to swim at local beaches for the next two days as strong storm is predicted to hit the region.
A category 5 storm has hit the Black Sea coast. A temporary ban on swimming in the sea has been put into effect. Red flags have been placed across the shore at all lifeguard stations.
A category 4 storm has hit the Black Sea coast with waves reach a height of three meters.
Georgian lifeguards have rescued 17 people on the Black Sea coast today – amongst whom were 12 foreign nationals and five minors. A 2-3 magnitude storm was recorded on Ureki beach today. Red flags were put out to inform the people that swimming conditions were dangerous.