Tbilisi under water

Residents face severe flooding and a zoo on the loose. A photo series

On the night of June 13, heavy rains caused severe flooding in several districts of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi. Reports claim that the death toll stands at 8 to 11 people. Roads have been submerged and many buildings have been damaged. 40 families have lost their homes, 22 thousand people are left without electricity. The Vere River has spilled into the Tbilisi zoo, causing more than 30 large animals to flee. Several wolves were killed after they entered a city hospital. A search is underway for the remaining animals, who are sedated with tranquilizer guns and brought back to the zoo.

The swelling River Vere has washed away over a dozen homes and many parked cars. Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Different estimates put the death toll in Tbilisi at 8 or 11 people. June 14, 2015.

A tranquilizer gun is used on a hippopotamus who escaped from the Tbilisi zoon. Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Lions, tigers and bears are also on the loose. Some animals have been killed, others are still missing. Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.

Tbilisi, June 14, 2015.