Georgian Ambassador in Cairo Archil Dzuliashvili said his country declared national mourning over recent Tbilisi flood victims.

In statements to MENA Tuesday, Dzuliashvili said at least 12 people were killed and 24 others went missing.

Shelters have been secured for 45 families, he said.

The disaster has left dozens of families homeless and caused disruption to the city's main infrastructure.

Heavy rains caused the River Vere - normally little more than a stream - to burst its banks and flood the capital.

Raging flood water rose to the rooftops of enclosures at the zoo, drowning hundreds of animals and sweeping many out of their enclosures.

Some Georgians have been angered over reports that some of the zoo animals were shot dead after escaping from the zoo.