Georgian Minister of Infrastructure Revaz Sokhadze reviewed the progress of disaster relief efforts following a natural disaster in Telavi (Kakheti region). Together with cabinet members, MPs, local government officials, and representatives of relevant agencies, he took part in a meeting of the emergency response headquarters.
Sokhadze noted that the Roads Department had mobilized around 100 units of specialized equipment to address the aftermath of the disaster. Clean-up operations and flood prevention measures are being carried out both in the city and in the upper reaches of the gorge.
“Both clean-up and preventive operations are actively underway. Around 100 units of machinery are deployed on-site. We also visited the upper reaches of the gorge, where clearing is in progress. At the meeting of the emergency response headquarters, we discussed both immediate priorities for the coming days and measures to be implemented in the long term. The Georgian government will do everything possible to mitigate the consequences of the disaster as quickly as possible while planning preventive measures to help reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future,” the minister stated.
Sokhadze also commented on reports of potential issues with the dams—specifically their alleged malfunction—stating that these claims do not correspond to reality.
The politician noted that the dams were last repaired in 2022 and successfully fulfilled their protective function during this disaster. Sokhadze added that in the coming days, specialists will conduct a detailed study into the causes of the incident, but currently available data does not indicate any link between the event and the condition of the dams.
Revaz Sokhadze added that the emergency response headquarters will continue to review all issues related to the aftermath of the disaster, including circumstances that require additional verification and subsequent decision-making. He emphasized that the state will take necessary measures in any instances where violations of the law or circumstances posing a threat to public safety are identified.