Georgian flags at half-mast for Batumi hotel fire victims

The Georgian national flags are flying at half-mast today at all government buildings across the country in remembrance of nearly a dozen people who died during the fire at Leogrand Hotel in Georgia's seaside town of Batumi on November 24.

Flags have been lowered over the Government Administration Building, Tbilisi and Kutaisi Parliament buildings, the President’s residence in Avlabari, all the ministries and Georgia’s diplomatic missions abroad.

Avlabari Presidential Palace in Tbilisi. Photo: President's press office.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia. Photo: MIA's press office.

The Ministry of Defence of Georgia. Photo: MOD's press office.

Parliament building in Tbilisi. Photo: Parliament's press office.

Parliament building in Kutaisi. Photo: Parliament's press office.

Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Kvirikashvili announced November 27 as a day of mourning after 11 people died and 21 injured during Friday’s fire in Batumi.

Ten of victims were Georgian citizens and one – Iranian.

Citizens have been gathering in front of the burnt hotel, bringing flowers and candles since last night. Photo source: ბათუმი / Batumi / Facebook

An investigation into the hotel fire case has been launched under article #243 of the Criminal Code that considers violation of fire-safety standards.

The local government of the Adjara region announced that the state will cover all funeral expenses for all of the victims and also, the families of those killed will receive 10,000 GEL each.