Georgia-Russia border crossing shut over rising water levels

Georgia has temporarily closed the Kazbegi–Upper Lars border crossing with Russia due to rising water levels in the Devdoraki Gorge, the Georgian Interior Ministry said.

According to the ministry, an alert was triggered by an early warning system installed in the gorge that detects even minor changes in the river’s flow.

“In accordance with the protocol, the evacuation of citizens present at the checkpoint at that time, as well as patrol police officers, border police personnel, and employees of private companies working there, was carried out,” the ministry said.

As a precautionary measure, vehicle traffic has also been restricted near the village of Gveleti, located close to the border, the ministry added.

The Kazbegi–Upper Lars crossing is the only operational border checkpoint connecting Georgia and Russia, making it a key route for road traffic between the two countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva