Floods Claim Seven Lives in Northeast Iran (+Video)
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Seven people have been reported killed and two are missing due to recent floods in Iranian northeastern Khorasan Razavi Province, with the majority occurring in the provincial capital Mashhad, according to Reza Abbasi, head of the Crisis Management Department of the province.
The heavy rainfall, unprecedented in two decades, struck Mashhad, causing widespread flooding in urban areas on Wedensday.
Ali Asghar Dehghanpour, director of the meteorology department in Khorasan Razavi, emphasized the gravity of the situation, urging residents to avoid flood-prone areas.
Governor of Dargaz Reza Abbasi stressed the continued rainfall forecasted until Tuesday night, advising against unnecessary travel within the province.
The downpour, nearly 38 millimeters, exacerbated flooding, damaging infrastructure and agricultural lands with at least 200 rural houses inundated or damaged in villages in Sang Bast district.
Abbasi highlighted the challenges faced in rural areas, with disruptions to water and electricity services, aggravating the situation for residents.
The intense rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, led to street flooding and power outages, heightening the urgency for evacuation and relief efforts.
Despite ongoing drainage operations, the risk of further inundation remains high, necessitating swift action from municipal authorities.
Governor Mohsen Davari detailed the extensive impact on communities, with hundreds displaced and residential units flooded. Red Crescent forces have been actively involved in rescue operations, providing aid to affected individuals across the province.
The head of the Red Crescent Society of Khorasan Razavi Province outlined the distribution of 15 tents and 200 blankets as well as essential supplies among the affected people of the province and the deployment of 22 rescue teams consisting of 74 personnel and 23 rescue vehicles to assist those in need.
Minister of Interior Ahmad Vahidi arrived in Mashhad on Thursday morning to evaluate the latest developments regarding floods.
A crisis management session is scheduled to take today, with the presence of the interior minister, following field assessments of the current situation.