The Vere River

The Vere River: Tbilisi’s Tragic and Resilient River

The Vere River (მდინარე ვერე) is an urban river in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, which flows through the city’s central Vake district. Originating on the slopes of the Trialeti Range near Mount Didgori, the Vere is a right tributary of the Mtkvari River. For most of its history, it was a peaceful stream flowing through a scenic valley. However, the Vere became internationally known for the tragic and devastating flash flood that occurred on the night of June 14, 2015. This catastrophic event claimed 21 lives, destroyed the Tbilisi Zoo, and caused massive damage to the city’s infrastructure.

The 2015 flood fundamentally changed the river’s identity and the city’s relationship with it. The disaster highlighted the dangers of unchecked urban development in a river valley. In the years since, significant efforts have been made to create new parks and recreational areas along its banks, such as Mziuri Park, turning a place of tragedy into a symbol of urban resilience and renewal. Today, the Vere valley serves as both a memorial and a beloved green space for the residents of Tbilisi.

ℹ️ General Information

• Name of River: Vere River (მდინარე ვერე)
• Location: Tbilisi, Georgia.
• Length: 29 km (18 miles)
• Basin Size: 194 km² (75 sq mi)
• Source (Origin): Eastern slopes of the Trialeti Range, near Mount Didgori.
• Mouth (Where it flows): Right tributary of the Mtkvari River, in Tbilisi.
• Main Tributaries: Tsknetistsqali, Betanistsqali.

📍 Geography & Course

The Vere begins in the mountains outside Tbilisi and flows eastward. Its upper course is through a natural, forested valley. As it enters the city, it flows through the suburbs of Bagebi and the Vake district. Much of its urban course is now contained within concrete channels and tunnels beneath the city’s streets, including the main Vake-Saburtalo highway. It emerges to join the Mtkvari River near Heroes’ Square.

🌿 Nature & Ecology

The Vere valley, especially in its upper reaches and in city parks, is an important green corridor for Tbilisi. It provides a habitat for various bird species and small animals. The 2015 flood was a stark reminder of the river’s natural power. The subsequent restoration and park development projects have focused on creating more sustainable and ecologically sensitive urban green spaces that can better coexist with the river’s natural dynamics.

🏛️ History & Culture

The Vere valley has been a part of Tbilisi’s life for centuries.

• The 2015 Flood: This event is now a central part of the river’s modern history. It led to a massive volunteer response from Tbilisi’s citizens and a national conversation about urban planning and environmental management.
• Mziuri Park: Originally a children’s “town” created by writer Nodar Dumbadze, this park in the Vere valley was heavily damaged by the flood and has since been beautifully restored as a symbol of the city’s recovery.
• Tbilisi Zoo: The zoo was almost completely destroyed by the flood, a tragic event that saw many animals perish or escape into the city streets. It has since been partially rebuilt and is planned to be relocated to a safer location.

🚣 Activities & Tourism

• Parks and Recreation: The main activity is enjoying the public parks along the valley, such as the restored Mziuri Park and Vake Park, which are popular for walking, cycling, and relaxing.
• Memorials: Visitors can see memorials dedicated to the victims of the 2015 flood.
• Hiking: The upper, more natural parts of the Vere valley, leading towards Tskneti, offer pleasant hiking opportunities.

🛤️ Accessibility

Being an urban river, the Vere and its associated parks are extremely accessible via all forms of public transport and by car within Tbilisi. The main recreational areas are located in the heart of the city.