Natural disaster strikes Racha, broken highway, bridges collapsed
By Khatia Bzhalava
Thursday, July 30
Due to heavy rain in Oni Municipality, the overflowing of the river Rioni significantly damaged the highway and left hundreds of residents locked in the village without electricity. As Archil Japaridze, the governor of the municipality stated, damage caused by the disaster is severe. The central highway is broken in 8 areas and 10 of the bridges have collapsed. Restoration of bypass roads has started, however, the governor is unable to specify how long it will take for the works to be completed.
According to the official information published by the government, rescuers of rapid response to special accidents of Tbilisi are involved in the operation. Border police helicopter of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been used to transport 30 residents from the disaster zone, including 3 minors. Some of them are locals and they happened to be visiting the site as tourists.
The government also stated that the dwellers receive water in a malfunctioning way, and until the damaged facility of water supply is repaired, 400 customers will be provided with water by cisterns. Also, if necessary, the residents will be provided with medicines and food supplies on the site.
Under the instructions of the Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia, emergency headquarters have been created in order to assure timely and coordinated liquidation of the outcomes caused by the natural disaster. Emergency headquarters includes the representatives of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, Roads Department of Georgia, United Water Supply Company Energo-Pro Georgia, the Ministry of internal Affairs of Georgia, Emergency Management Service and the representatives of local government.
