Debris, ageing drainage networks contribute to flooding during heavy rain, Tbilisi Mayor

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has said some streets in the Georgian capital flood during short periods of intense rainfall because branches, leaves and household waste block drainage grates and prevent water from flowing away.

Speaking at a meeting of the city government on Wednesday, Kaladze reviewed the impact of heavy rainfall that hit Tbilisi two days earlier.

He said ageing drainage networks and the absence of drainage infrastructure in some areas also contributed to the problem.

"Since 2017, whenever we begin street rehabilitation works, we first upgrade underground infrastructure. We have said many times that the city faces serious challenges with underground utilities," Kaladze said.

"Obviously, we cannot resolve everything at once, but all problems will gradually be addressed. There was no location where the relevant municipal services or district administration staff did not respond and communicate with residents. The relevant services were present at problematic locations, and all problems will be resolved," he added.

Kaladze also rejected a report by a television channel claiming that rainwater had entered Avlabari metro station during the heavy rainfall.

"The television channel is engaged in lies and slander. Once again, they tried to mislead the public. It is shameful to spread disinformation so brazenly in the 21st century. There was no incident involving water entering the station," Kaladze said.

He said the city authorities had publicly acknowledged the problem when water had previously entered the station and had taken measures to address it.

"We are not living with our eyes closed. We know what challenges the capital faces. Rain and natural disasters do not happen only here. Difficult situations arise in any European city under such conditions. I urge citizens not to believe certain television channels and to seek accurate information," Kaladze said.