Tbilisi, Georgian (BBN)-Heavy flooding in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, has killed eight people and officials are warning residents to stay indoors to avoid animals that have escaped from a zoo.
The missing animals include tigers, lions, bears and wolves. It is believed that a zoo keeper is among the dead, reports BBC.
A hippopotamus was cornered in one of the city's main squares and subdued with a tranquiliser gun.
Rescue workers are searching submerged homes to check for trapped residents.
Dozens of people have been left homeless after their houses were damaged or destroyed.
Mayor Davit Narmania said the situation was "very grave".
Other animals have been recaptured or killed though it is unclear how many are missing. Helicopters are now circling the city as part of a search and rescue operation.
Tbilisi’s vice-mayor, Irakly Lekvinadze, estimated the preliminary damage at $10m (£6.43m).
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