Rescue teams in the Georgian capital Tbilisi are searching for 24 people still missing after fatal flooding hit the city over the weekend.

At least 12 have died as a result of the disaster and the government has announced a day of national mourning.

Many residents of the city have lost their homes and the government faces a huge clean-up operation.

Those that escaped the devastation and people from surrounding areas have donated food, water and blankets.

The Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili thanked the community for showing “unprecedented solidarity.”

Authorities say a number of animals that escaped their enclosures as a result of the waters are still roaming the capital.

Tigers, lions, wolves and a hippopotamus were spotted in the city, it remains unclear what specis are still at large.

It is stressed that the animals are not responsible for any of the fatalities.