"I can already say that the damage will be extensive, but until the river level recedes and we begin assessing the damaged infrastructure, it is impossible to determine the full extent of the losses," Platon Kalmakhelidze, the State Representative (Governor) of Kakheti, said.

According to Kalmakhelidze, intersections have been closed for safety reasons, all relevant agencies have been mobilized, and damage assessment and recovery operations will begin as soon as the river level drops.

"The heavy rainfall overnight caused streams in Telavi to swell, but the most significant event was the overflow of the Telavi Stream. Near Sekhniashvili Street, debris blocked a bridge, causing the river to overflow its banks.

We began evacuating residents from the affected areas. Later, an additional threat emerged near the agricultural market, where we also started evacuating people.

For safety reasons, intersections have been closed, and all relevant agencies have been mobilized. As soon as the river level drops, we will begin assessing the situation and carrying out recovery operations.

I can already say that the damage will be extensive, but until the river recedes and we can properly assess the damaged infrastructure, it is impossible to provide a precise estimate," Kalmakhelidze said.

For reference, heavy rainfall in Telavi caused the Telavi Stream to overflow, flooding parts of Kavkasioni Street and Alazani Avenue after the stream breached its banks.

The flooding has inundated the ground floors of residential buildings, commercial premises, pharmacies, and shops. Vehicles and power transmission lines have also been damaged.