Yesterday, August 29, streets were flooded in Tbilisi due to heavy rainfall. The overflowing water covered half of the cars in some places, and even entered buses and subway cars. Traffic in the city all but ground to a halt.
According to Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, yesterday’s rain exceeded the amount of precipitation recorded on June 13, 2015 – the date of the Tbilisi flood which swept away half the zoo and killed 20 people.
“According to the preliminary data of the National Environment Agency, the amount of precipitation that fell within three hours last night was more than double the amount of precipitation that fell during six hours on June 13, 2015.
Last night’s rainfall covered the entire territory of Tbilisi and created some problems in different areas,” Kaladze said.
Kaladze also denied accusations that drainage systems throughout the city are not working properly. The mayor stated at the meeting of the government of Tbilisi municipality that the drainage system was delayed during the rain, which prevented the flow of water.
“In the first minutes, relevant agencies of the City Hall were already in the problem areas and trying to take the necessary measures.
“Yesterday I was personally on the right bank of Mtkvari, where the road leading to the ramp of King Tamar was flooded. We have heard many claims that the drainage systems do not work in the capital. Of course, we have problems with underground communications. That is why, where we carry out rehabilitation works, first of all, we arrange such communications. The problem last night was that the drain grates were covered with debris and this prevented the water from draining.
“Where I was, we cleaned this debris by hand and the drainage system began working properly. As soon as the rain stopped, there was not a single drop of water on the asphalt and the flooded area was completely empty,” said Kaladze.
The Emergency Situations Management Service has not reported any injuries.
By Mariam Gorkhelashvili
