Iran – Deadly Flash Floods Hit Shiraz

by in Asia, News

At least 19 people have died in flash floods that struck the southern city of Shiraz, Fars Province, Iran on 25 March, 2019.

The disaster comes days after 50,000 people were affected by flooding in the northern provinces of Golestan and Mazandaran. According to Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), around 8,000 people were displaced and are still in shelters in Golestan. As many as 13 people died in flooding in neighbouring parts of Afghanistan.

Shiraz, Fars Province

IRCS said major flash flooding hit the city of Shiraz after 18mm of rain fell in 10 minutes on 25 March, 2019, adding “flooding was triggered from the mountainous areas in suburban Shiraz to the city’s gate, Darvazeh Quran, located on the north.”

As many as 19 people were killed during the incident, including four children, and 105 others were injured. The flood waters were so powerful they dragged cars through streets. Relief workers recovered 150 vehicles from the flood path.

According to the Red Crescent, several provinces of Iran were affected by the recent heavy rain, including Lorestan and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Provinces. A spokesman for Iran’s Crisis Management Organization told state news channel IRINN that as many as 25 of the nation’s 31 provinces have been affected. No damage assessments are available as yet.

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