Floods in Iran worsen: 70 dead so far

The Dhaka Times Desk The flood situation in Iran has worsened drastically. Heavy rains and continued landslides have submerged most of the country's low-lying areas in the last few days. 70 people have been killed so far.

Many villages and towns at risk of flooding were evacuated on Saturday as adverse weather and rain were forecast in Iran.

In the flash floods that started on March 19, all the rivers and canals of the country overflowed and flooded the surrounding areas. The situation further worsened as 3 water control dams were breached by the flood waters. At least 22 of Iran's 31 provinces have experienced severe flooding.

Residents of 70 villages in the town of Susangard were evacuated to safer areas yesterday (Saturday) after a river dam in the oil-rich Khuzestan province was opened. About 50,000 people in the city of Susangard are currently at risk of flooding. Energy companies in the oil-rich region are using pumps to remove water and aid in relief efforts.

Iran's military launched heavy dredger machines on Saturday to help drain water from the country's northern flood-prone areas to the Caspian Sea.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on everyone to come forward to help the flood victims. He said that it is the government's responsibility to compensate the flood victims. His government will fulfill this duty duly.