Heavy rain continues to threaten western Georgia

Updated: 3.52pm 

Local and central government authorities are ready to manage any emergency situation in western Georgia resulting from the heavy storm that is lashing the country’s western Adjara and Guria regions.

The Security and Crisis Management Council of the Government of Georgia announced the disaster had affected in many places across western Georgia but mobile support groups were tasked to promptly react to possible crises.

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been updated with latest information about the disaster-affected sites and possible damage caused by the heavy rain and wind.

Earlier: 12.30pm

Western Georgian residents woke up to another day of heavy rain and strong wind targeting the region.

A magnitude four storm struck the Black Sea Adjara region this morning causing rivers to significantly rise and flood nearby territories in Adjara and Guria.

The country’s western areas have been hit by heavy rain and strong wind for the past seven days, with Homes, crops and schools are damaged by the unsettled weather.

For the second time in the past ten days a school in Shemokmedi, Guria closed temporarily after heavy rain flooded the first floor of the school building. The rain also flooded houses and crops in villages in the Ozurgeti region in Guria.

Heavy rain damaged roads and bridges, leaving families cut off from the outside world.

Weather experts said the wild weather was set to remain and warned western Georgian residents and visitors to brace for another major storm that could damage homes, infrastructure and crops in the next few days.

The Security and Crisis Management Council of the Government of Georgia said people needed to be prepared for more heavy rain and wind. The group advised people to avoid walking alongside the coastal shoreline and near rivers, and to keep their poultry and cattle away from dangerous areas.

Mobile support groups have been established across the region and were tasked with managing the emergency situation.