TBILISI, DFWatch – The entire cabinet in Georgia is personally taking part in cleanup work in villages affected by hail storm on July 19.

In around 40 villages that were hit, 2 200 houses were left roofless, according to local government.

Some villages are still without electricity. Units from the military and the Interior Ministry are helping the population clean up and cover the roofs.

Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili yesterday mentioned that the government is considering prolonging bank credits for one year to the affected population. Meanwhile, the government would then pay the monthly interest on these loans to the banks. He says many of these people have agriculture credits.

The government also plans to sort affected people in three different categories and give money compensation to them, ranging from 300 to 1 500 lari. Some families lost their whole harvest. Parliament is meeting for an extraordinary session on July 24 to review a new budget plan which entails giving compensations to the affected population.

Yesterday, food packages were distributed containing 2 liters of oil, 5 kg sugar and 5 kg pasta.

On Saturday, President Saakashvili said he is also considering to let students in affected families get an extention on the deadline for payint tuition fee.

Meanwhile, opposition billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili has transferred ten million lari to budget account as promised. https://dfwatch.net/ivanishvili-offers-to-cover-populations-losses-after-storm-37868

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UHNC) is distributing water dishes, beds, mattresses, pillows, blankets and tents to 300 people affected by storm.

The final cost of the storm’s destruction is still unknown. Saakashvili says about 150 million lari will be necessary for compensation and reconstruction.