Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
03-01-2025
What happened, where and when?
Since 21 February 2025, Western Georgia has been struggling with a severe winter storm, causing widespread damage and humanitarian challenges. The most critical impact was recorded on 1 March and the disaster is still ongoing, with heavy snow and extreme weather conditions continuing to affect Guria, Adjara, Imereti, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti. Many villages remain isolated, thousands of people are still without electricity, and emergency responders are facing serious challenges in reaching those in need.
In Guria, snowdrifts continue to block roads, leaving villages like Chokhatauri, Gogole District, and Ozurgeti cut off from essential supplies. Residents of Buknari, Kvenobani, and Basileti remain stranded, while people in Jumati, Konchati, and Kokati face food shortages and worsening conditions. With ongoing snowfall, there is still no clear timeframe for when access to these areas will be restored.
In Imereti, around 30,000 people are still without electricity, and 149 villages remain inaccessible. Schools remain closed, and relief efforts are slowed down by the extreme weather. In Adjara, conditions have not improved, as Batumi continues to face power outages and mobility restrictions due to icy roads. In Khulo, Shuakhevi, and Keda, nearly 20 villages remain surrounded by snow, and some homes are still buried. Reports indicate a serious lack of food, medical supplies, and heating, while avalanche risks remain high.
The death toll stands at 3 (three), with recent reports confirming that people have died from collapsed roofs, unavailability of essential medicines and lack of timely medical access. Emergency responders and military personnel are still working to clear roads and evacuate people from the hardest-hit areas, but the ongoing snowfall makes their work extremely difficult.
The Georgia Red Cross Society (GRCS) has been active on the ground, providing food, hygiene supplies, and psychological support. However, as the disaster enters its third week, humanitarian needs are growing, and additional aid is urgently required. If conditions do not improve soon, the crisis could escalate further, leaving thousands in life-threatening situations. The priority remains ensuring food, heating, and medical assistance reach the most vulnerable before the situation deteriorates further.