Location: Near Mukhran Machavariani Street, on the way to BIST and Lisi Lake, Tbilisi, Georgia
Event: Reports of the earth cracking and shifting near Mukhran Machavariani Street raise the potential for a landslide. The area, on the way to the British International School of Tbilisi (BIST) and Lisi Lake, is extremely hazardous. U.S. government personnel are advised to exercise caution when transiting through the area, allowing sufficient time to travel as traffic patterns have changed, causing congestion.
Wet weather conditions will continue throughout the week and U.S. government personnel are urged to remain vigilant of potential landslide warning signs. Tbilisi has a history of landslides with the most recent serious incident occurring in June 2015, which resulted in multiple deaths and severe property destruction.
Landslide Warning Signs (U.S. Geological Service):
- Springs, seeps, or saturated ground in areas that have not typically been wet before.
- New cracks or unusual bulges in the ground, street pavements or sidewalks.
- Soil moving away from foundations.
- Ancillary structures such as decks and patios tilting and/or moving relative to the main house.
- Tilting or cracking of concrete floors and foundations.
- Broken water lines and other underground utilities.
- Leaning telephone poles, trees, retaining walls or fences.
- Offset fence lines.
- Sunken or down-dropped road beds.
- Rapid increase in creek water levels, possibly accompanied by increased turbidity (soil content).
- Sudden decrease in creek water levels though rain is still falling or just recently stopped.
- Sticking doors and windows, and visible open spaces indicating jambs and frames out of plumb.
- A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
- Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
Actions to Take:
- Monitor local media for updates.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Tbilisi, Georgia
(995)(32) 227-7724 (M-F 8:30-5:30)
(995)(32) 227-7000 (after hours)
AskConsulTbilisi@state.gov
https://ge.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
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