Fire Is Raging in the Villages of Mestia for Five Days

                                                                                                                        Geronti Kalichava, Zugdidi

New fire-spots appeared in the forests in the villages of Latala and Becho in Mestia district. The fire on the mountains destroyed coniferous and leafy trees in the forests. Now the fire is raging 500 meters away from the settlement. Though, according to the Mestia district governor, they do their best to avoid spread of fire in the settlement. Local residents, together with other forces are trying to put out fire,” said Gocha Chelidze.

Mestia district governor cannot clarify what area is on fire. The Human Rights Centre was informed by the residents of Mestia district the damage is huge and fire has already spread on a large territory. Population asks for helicopters to liquidate the fire. Natives think the rescue-teams and local people alone cannot resist such fire.

We remind you that the fire broke up in the forests of Latala, Lenjeri and Becho in Mestia district on 17 September and has lasted for 5 days already. According to the preliminary information, more than 40 hectares of territory, coniferous and leafy trees were destroyed. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the reason of the fire is the carelessness of people. Locals do not agree with this statement and claim that the fire was caused by the recently increased temperature.