Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2015
502. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the disastrous flooding in Tbilisi in Georgia which has resulted in deaths and general destruction; if he proposes to offer practical assistance by the deployment of rapid response volunteers or other aid measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24666/15]
View answerSevere flooding caused by heavy rainfall on 13 and 14 June in the Georgian capital Tbilisi led to the death of at least 18 people. The rivers Vere and Mtkvari overflowed causing flash floods which devastated densely populated districts of the city, damaging hundreds of homes and disrupting basic services. The EU is providing €400,000 in humanitarian assistance for families affected by the floods. This funding is supporting the Georgian Red Cross and Non-Governmental Organisations to deliver relief, including food, household items, and water, sanitation and hygiene support. In addition, up to €3 million will be made available by the EU to help provide durable housing solutions. Under Ireland’s Rapid Response Initiative, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages a roster of highly skilled and experienced individuals for deployment overseas. Rapid Response Corps members are regularly requested to join UN humanitarian response operations as surge capacity in the most severe, large-scale humanitarian crises. No request has been made to date to deploy rapid responders to Georgia to assist with relief efforts and the clean-up.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will work through the EU in providing assistance to the people of Georgia at this difficult time.
