Animals Overrun Tbilisi Following Deadly Flood

Local Editor

Tbilisi residents had been warned to stay indoors to avoid dangerous zoo animals roaming free following heavy flooding in the Georgian capital.

Thousands of people were left without clean water and electrical power in the Georgian capital Tbilisi due to the flooding which began as heavy rains made the River Vere burst its banks.

According to reports, 12 people were confirmed dead but authorities said the number could increase as many people were still unaccounted for.

Furthermore, Lions, bears, wolves, tigers, even crocodiles and hippopotamuses were among the animals who managed to escape the flood when floodwater rose to the rooftops of the city's zoo enclosures. Many of the zoo animals died in their cages.

According to Tbilisi Zoo spokeswoman Mzia Sharashidze Special Forces were currently hunting down the escaped animals.

She added that the forces had to kill some of the animals to reduce the risk of them killing people, noting that it is still not clear how many animals actually escaped from the zoo.

However, the zoo's administration has asked that the escaped animals be spared, as the search for them continues.

"We beg; if somewhere you see an animal, don't kill it!!! Just call us!!!" the zoo posted on Facebook.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team