Georgian Rain

"At least five dead in Tbilisi flooding" by Associated Press  |  May 14, 2012

TBILISI, Georgia - A flood killed five people in Georgia’s capital overnight after torrential rain caused a river to burst its banks, officials said Sunday.

The Agency for Emergency Situations said that a mother and her two children, an elderly woman, and an elderly man died in Tbilisi’s Ortachala neighborhood after the Kura River flooded Saturday night.

All five were trapped in their homes and crushed when the buildings collapsed. One of the children was 6 months old; the other was 5. At least 30 other people sought medical help.

According to witnesses, the water in some areas rose to 10 feet and lifted parked cars. Electricity was cut off in a number of neighborhoods.

Mayor Gigi Ugulava pledged to provide financial assistance to all flood victims. He was unable to estimate the damage caused by the flood but said it was “quite substantial.’’

Georgia’s military was assisting the rescue effort by helping to clear debris and evacuate people from flooded areas.

Rainy weather in Georgia is forecast for the next three days.

--more--"