Georgia temporarily closes land border with Russia due to heavy rains

(Reuters) – Georgia quickly closed its border with Russia on Monday resulting from heavy rains within the mountainous area between the 2 international locations, native authorities introduced.

“As a result of an emergency scenario, all forms of customs management procedures have been suspended,” the income service of Georgia’s finance ministry, which manages border checkpoints, mentioned in a press release on its web site.

“On account of heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers, a bit of the street connecting Georgia and Russia was broken,” it added.

There is just one official crossing between Georgia and Russia on the mountainous 900-km (559-mile) border between the 2 international locations. Movies on social media confirmed automobiles struggling to navigate a closely flooded street and small landslides.

Georgian authorities mentioned the border – a serious route for cargo shipments between the 2 international locations – could be reopened after the climate improves and the street has been repaired.

(Reporting by Reuters; Modifying by Emelia Sithole-Matarise)