Rescuers save 16 lives as storm hits Georgia’s west coast

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.