The government has allocated GEL 500,000 to address the aftermath of the natural disaster in Telavi Municipality.
The government said Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze signed the relevant decree, with the funds to be provided from the Finance Ministry’s reserve fund.
The government does not specify how the funds will be distributed.
In the early hours of July 12, heavy rainfall caused the Telavi River to overflow its banks, with a mudflow flooding several streets in the city. The disaster caused significant damage.
The National Environment Agency said rainfall at the Telavi meteorological station reached 57.3 mm, equivalent to 85% of the monthly norm for Telavi. At the Ikalto station, rainfall reached 40.1 mm.
The mudflow, carrying rocks and debris, completely destroyed a bridge connecting two streets. The Kavkasioni and Alazani avenues were seriously damaged. There were no casualties.
The first floors of residential buildings, commercial spaces, pharmacies, a clinic and shops were flooded, with property destroyed. Power lines and vehicles were also damaged, while thousands of subscribers lost access to natural gas and electricity.
In August, Telavi Mayor Vazha Maghradze said that all buildings within a 10-meter radius of the city’s ravine would be demolished. He said an assessment by the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau confirmed that the disaster had “undermined the foundations” of the buildings.
He added that the owners of all the affected buildings would be offered alternative premises or compensation.
