Heavy snowfall hits Georgia, causes damage and restrictions (VIDEO)

All Georgian relevant state bodies are on alert to cope with the negative consequences caused by heavy snowfall and freeze especially affecting western and mountainous parts of Georgia. 

From December 31 up to now 700 emergency calls were received by the Emergency Situation Management Centre of Georgia and almost all of them have been immediately reacted on. 

The Agency informed that hundreds of cars and other transport were stuck in snow and failed to move forth due to the lack of appropriate tyres and other complications on roads in different parts of Georgia.

There were minors in the transport as well, we managed to move the people to a safe place,” the Agency said. 

Watch the video reflecting the situation bellow: 

The rescue teams also provided support to the nuns of western Lanchkhuti region Tchkonagora village church, who were left without food, water and electricity following the snow storm. 

 The rescuers also dug several emergency cars out of the snow with dozens of patients in, as the people appeared in the epicenter of tempest when transporting.

 Relevant bodies are also in search of three residents of eastern Lagodekhi region who got lost three days ago. 

Hundreds of cars were stuck in snow. Photo by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. 

Georgia’s Road Department has retained restrictions on various road sections because of the threat of avalanche and storm. 

According to the latest updates of the Road Department of Georgia the only road section in the country that remained completely closed due to bad weather and avalanche threat is eastern Gudauri-Kobi .

However, the closure of the route will not create any obstacles for holiday makers moving to one of the most distinguished winter resorts of Georgia as the road leading to the tourist centre worked without restrictions. 

On this note, Aragvispiri-Larsi section of the eastern Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Larsi route has been closed for trailer trucks, semi-trails and the transport of more than 30-seat capacity. All the rest transport was permitted only with special snit-skid chains. 

Rescuers help minors. Photo by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. 

Situation was complicated on another international Zestaponi-Khobi section of Tbilisi-Senaki-Leselidze route, leading from eastern to western parts of Georgia. The Road Department has appealed to people to refrain from using the route in these days. In case of urgent necessity the body urged people to use the cars only with winter tyres. 

When it came to Rikoti pass, connecting eastern and western parts of Georgia, the area is open for all transport from Tbilisi to western Samatredia region, out of Samtredia movement is allowed only with snit-skid chains on some risky areas. 

Restrictions are in place on western Tskaltubo-Tsageri route, on so called Gelaveri Pass  and Jvari -Khaishi road section. Relevant bodies have stated that today the sections will be opened for all types of transport, but with the use of the special chains. 

The heavy snow and following complications created electricity problems in some areas. It has been reported that nearly 2,300 families were left without electricity in western Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region.  Energo Pro Georgia, the electricity provider company, brigades are working to ensure the service in the coming hours. 

Restrictions are in place on several road sections in Georgia. Photo by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. 

The snowfall  also affected the normal functioning of western Batumi port and Kutaisi Davit Agmashenebeli Airport. 

The heavy snowfall damaged several buildings and constructions in western seaside Adjara region, which has witnessed large amount of snow this year. 

No restrictions have been imposed in capital Tbilisi. However, if necessary, Tbilisi Mayor Davit Narmania said that the local Government had a storage of 5,000 tons of technical salt to spread on roads to avoid accidents in case of heavy snow and freeze. 

Damage experienced these days is being counted.  

According to the weather forecast it will get warmer thorough Georgia from Wednesday, this week.