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Flooding kills eight in Georgian capital, sets animals on loose

Cars are seen among debris in a flooded area in Tbilisi, June 14, 2015. (© AFP)

Heavy flooding in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi has killed at least eight people and destroyed enclosures at the city’s zoo, setting loose a number of dangerous animals.

Local media reported the death toll on Sunday, adding that ten people have also gone missing.

Many animals, including tigers, lions, jaguars, and bears, have also fled the zoo and are roaming the streets of Tbilisi, where citizens have been warned to stay indoors.

An image, taken on June 14, 2015, shows an area flooded by the overflowing of the Vere River due to heavy rainfall in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. (© AFP)

Local media reported that several animals have been shot dead by police forces over safety concerns. Among the animals killed were six wolves, shot at a children’s hospital.

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili has extended his condolences to the families of the eight victims of the flooding and has promised to start the process of rebuilding rapidly.

Heavy rains and wind pounded Tbilisi during the night, turning a small stream that runs through the city into a swelling river. Dozens of houses have been damaged in the flooding.

MR/HSN/HJL


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