Kobakhidze Leads Efforts to Address Snowstorm Crisis in Guria Region
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Irakli Kobakhidze, accompanied by members of the Cabinet of Ministers, has arrived in the Guria region to assess the impact of the heavy snowfall that has disrupted daily life and left many villages isolated.
Reports indicate that Kobakhidze was briefed on the severe challenges posed by the snowfall and the steps being taken by various government agencies to assist in the recovery process. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emergency operations have been in full swing for three days across western Georgia, with approximately 600 firefighters and rescuers deployed from the Emergency Situations Management Service. These teams are working alongside specialized equipment, including snow blowers, to clear the affected areas and carry out rescue operations.
In a statement to the press, Kobakhidze acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "The situation is difficult, but we are fully committed to resolving all challenges. The snowfall yesterday has further complicated the situation, making it necessary to involve the defense forces. All agencies are now fully mobilized and coordinated to address the disaster."
Kobakhidze explained that many villages are still cut off from the outside world, with communication lines severed in multiple areas. To address this, emergency equipment has been mobilized to restore contact and facilitate communication with the affected communities. "A lot of work remains in this regard, and efforts to reconnect specific villages will resume immediately," he emphasized.
In addition to restoring communication, the government is focusing on providing vital supplies such as medicines, food, and firewood to meet the region's immediate needs. "We are implementing a specific plan to mobilize these resources, ensuring that residents have access to essential supplies for heating and health care," Kobakhidze added.
The Georgian Dream administration has assured the public that all available resources will continue to be deployed in the coming days to manage the aftermath of the storm and provide relief to the residents of the affected areas.
