June 15 declared as a day of mourning in Georgia

In recognition of the dozen people who died during and after the natural disaster in Georgia's capital Tbilisi, June 15 is declared as a day of mourning.

At the Crisis Management Council meeting today Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili announced the Government has already prepared a corresponding decree.

At least 12 people died and 24 remain missing, according to latest facts from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Garibashvili presented his condolences to the families of the victims. He said "not a single family affected by the flood will be left without attention.”

"Unfortunately, the natural disaster has left several people dead. I would like to offer my deepest condolences to their families. This is a big tragedy and I would like the 15th of June to be declared a day of mourning, in order to pay tribute to those who perished in the flood that struck the city," Garibashvili said.

Under the PM's instruction each family who lost a loved one will receive 10,000 GEL (about 4,500 USD) from the Government.

The Georgian Government has already allocated 10 million GEL to Tbilisi City Hall to combat the damage caused by major flooding in the country’s capital overnight.

As of Sunday afternoon, 36 people had been taken to Tbilisi hospitals and many were now facing homelessness as a result of heavy rainfall last night.

"In coming hours we will meet with donor organisations. The Finance Minister has already had a conversation with them. They will mobilise resources to help people. None of the families should be left without attention," Garibashvili said.

Finance Minister Nodar Khaduri said a preliminary estimate put damages at 40 million GEL (about $18 million USD).

Tbilisi residents and people from nearby cities started bringing food, warm clothes and other vital items to municipal centres to help families whose houses were completely swept away by the swollen Vere River.