Georgia's building standards are outdated and based on climate data from the last century, making Tbilisi increasingly vulnerable to flooding, according to geologist and Ilia State University professor Archil Magalashvili. Speaking to Business Morning, he said recent heavy rainfall exposed deeper structural problems beyond clogged drainage systems.
Magalashvili argued that the country's engineering climatology standards, adopted in 2009, no longer reflect current weather patterns. As a result, new infrastructure projects continue to rely on outdated rainfall data, creating long-term risks for the capital.
He also linked flooding to poor air quality, saying mud and debris washed from surrounding slopes eventually dry into dust, contributing to air pollution. He added that Tbilisi's basin-like geography requires better coordination between drainage, slope stabilization, and urban greening projects.
The geologist called for the creation of an interactive city risk map and a real-time monitoring center to coordinate emergency responses. He said the system could be implemented at relatively low cost and would significantly improve the city's ability to respond to floods and other natural hazards.
