Heavy flooding sets zoo animals free in Georgia

People in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, have been asked to stay indoors after heavy flooding triggered by relentless rain has freed animals, including tigers, lions, bears, hippopotamus and wolves, from a city zoo.

The flood has killed eight people, with a zoo keeper believed to be among the dead, reported the BBC.

A hippopotamus was cornered in one of the city's main squares and sedated with a tranquiliser gun. Other animals have been recaptured or killed. However, it's unclear how many are still missing.

Dozens of people have been left homeless and their houses have been damaged. Rescue operations are underway to find victims trapped in submerged homes.

Meanwhile, the city's mayor, Davit Narmania, has termed the situation 'very grave.