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Shakh Aivazov/AP/Press Association Images
Georgia

Five killed as flooding strikes Georgian capital Tbilisi

A river burst its banks overnight, bringing torrents of muddy water and debris through the city centre.

FIVE PEOPLE HAVE died following serious flooding in Tbilisi, Georgia after the Mtkvari river burst its banks.

Torrential rain forced the river to burst its banks and the sudden flooding brought muddy water and debris through parts of the city centre, destroying houses, roads and cars.

Landslides also have been reported in areas near the city, according to the BBC, while the AFP says that city officials say it is too soon to estimate the cost of the flood damage.

Georgia’s President Mikheil Saakashvili has expressed his condolences to the families of the flood victims. Two children are among the dead.

The clean-up operation has begun, as shown in this footage:

(Video uploaded by NewsGeorgiaTV)

Five killed as flooding strikes Georgian capital Tbilisi
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  • Flood

    A man rows in a rubber boat at flooded area in the centre of Tbilisi, Georgia, today. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov/PA)
  • Flood

    A man smokes while sitting on sandbags next to a market at the flooded area in the centre of Tbilisi today. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov/PA)
  • Flood

    A man rows in a rubber boat at flooded area in the centre of Tbilisi. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov/PA)
  • Flood

    Two men on a balcony, top right, look at the flooded area of Tbilisi. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov/PA)
  • Flood

    People walk through the flooded area in the centre of Tbilisi. (AP Photo/Shakh Aivazov/PA)