2023-09-11
On behalf of our Government, I once again extend condolences and I want to let the families of the victims in Guria know that we will provide everyone with maximum assistance, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili stated at today's Government meeting.
According to the Prime Minister, a devastating tragedy took place in Guria, and it is a major challenge for the whole country.
"I once again extend my condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims in Guria, to everyone, all of our society. A devastating tragedy took place in Guria. This natural disaster claimed the lives of two children and one elderly lady. On behalf of our Government, I once again extend our condolences, and I want these families to know that we will provide everyone with maximum assistance. Indeed, it has been a major challenge for our country," the Prime Minister stated.
According to the Prime Minister, in the course of two days, geologists inspected land lots and homes of 237 citizens, 31 infrastructural sites, and 9 flood-banks. At this point, 105 households have been evacuated from the disaster area.
Irakli Garibashvili addressed the families affected by the disaster with a call to observe the recommendations of local authorities and relevant services.
"I would like to report to the public on what has been done in Guria so far. On my instructions, all state institutions have been mobilized. Also, I would like to clarify that there were 22 and 15 disaster areas in the administrative entities of Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti, respectively.
"As of today, vehicle traffic is restricted at various sections on 11 locations throughout Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti Municipalities. Since day one of the disaster, 200 rescuers have been mobilized and engaged in the rescue efforts in the Guria region. In all, 142 people have been led to safety.
"In the course of two days, geologists inspected land lots and homes of 237 citizens, 31 infrastructural sites, and 9 flood-banks. At this point, 105 households have been evacuated from the disaster area. I also would like to ask these families to observe our recommendations. It is necessary to relocate them to a safer place, the reason why I urge these families to observe the recommendations of local authorities and relevant services. Also, 110 citizens have been placed by the municipality into hotels," the Prime Minister said.
According to the Prime Minister, on the first day, power delivery to 8,000 subscribers was cut off in Ozurgeti. But, as of today, all of them have been restored. On the day of disaster, power delivery to 7,000 subscribers was cut off in Lanchkhuti. As of today, only 250 such subscribers are left. By the end of the day, power delivery will be restored for 200 subscribers.
"Intensive cleanup activities have been carried out in every administration entity. Both pedestrian and vehicle traffics have been restored.
"As a result of the intensive work carried out by the United Water Supply Company, drinking water is now fully supplied to the populations of Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti Municipalities.
"As for electric power, on the first day, power delivery to 8,000 subscribers was cut off in Ozurgeti. But, as of today, all of them have been restored. On the day of disaster, power delivery to 7,000 subscribers was cut off in Lanchkhuti. As of today, only 250 such subscribers are left. By the end of the day, power supplies will be restored for 200 subscribers," Irakli Garibashvili stated.
As the Prime Minister pointed out at the Government meeting, on the first day of disaster, natural gas delivery to 3,627 subscribers was cut off in Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti. As of today, natural gas delivery has yet to be restored for 791 subscribers. Road cleanup work is underway in the villages, to be followed by the restoration of natural gas delivery.
According to the Prime Minister, humanitarian cargo collected by representatives of the municipalities and the Georgian Dream Party in the regions has been distributed among 235 households. This process continues, and the state will maximally stand by the families affected by the disaster.
"Humanitarian cargo collected by representatives of the municipalities and the Georgian Dream Party in the regions has been distributed among 235 households. Of course, this process will continue. The state will maximally stand by these families. We will assess the consequences, damage of the disaster, and we will maximally assist everyone affected by this natural disaster.
"As for natural gas, on the first day of disaster, natural gas delivery to 3,627 subscribers was cut off in Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti. As of today, natural gas delivery has yet to be restored for 791 subscribers. Road cleanup work is underway in the villages, to be followed by the restoration of natural gas delivery by SOCAR.
"One hundred bridges and pipeline bridges have been damaged in all by the disaster in Ozurgeti and Lanchkhuti. This is the situation that we have. All state institutions are mobilized. Once again, I would like to thank everyone: rescuers, every company and state institution engaged in this process, also local authorities. Our MPs and party leaders arrived on the ground. Thus, we will maximally stand by our people," Irakli Garibashvili stated.
Press Service of the Government Administration