Rouhani Puts Governors on Full Alert As Floods Continue

By Staff, Press TV

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has put all governors, governors general and officials in all Iranian provinces on full alert as widespread flooding continues in many parts of the country.

Rouhani issued the order on Sunday, also calling on provincial officials to coordinate necessary preparations to handle various issues facing people in the flood-hit areas.

Rouhani pointed to the continuation of flash floods in the northern province of Golestan and called for a cabinet session to assess the extent of damage on the province's infrastructure, farmlands and personal property.

At least 17 people were killed and 74 injured in flooding that hit the southern city of Shiraz, head of Iran Emergency Medical Service Pirhossein Kolivand was quoted by Tasnim News Agency as saying on Monday.

Showers and thunderstorm in Shiraz caught many New Year travelers by surprise. Witnesses say many streets are inundated.

Head of the Iran Police Information and Traffic Control Center Nader Rahmani said the flood has carried away more than 400 vehicles, though the exact number is not clear yet.

The flooding in Shiraz inflicted financial damage upon the city’s markets, including the Vakil Bazaar, which has been registered as a national heritage.

Meanwhile, Hassan Razavi, managing director of the Regional Water Company of Tehran, warned on Monday about the possibility of heavy rainfall and inundation of provincial rivers in the coming days.

"According to an announcement by Iran's Meteorological Organization, heavy precipitation and subsequent flooding are possible along the path of rivers and flood channels across the province," he added.

The official also warned New Year vacationists against erecting their tents around and on the bed of rivers even dry waterways and flood channels, emphasizing that travelers should avoid stopping near such places to watch or shoot the flooding.

Iran’s Meteorological Organization has warned that the downpours will continue for the next two days in various parts of the country.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Department of Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport issued a statement on Monday, noting that it is canceling or postponing some scheduled flights due to foul weather conditions.

The statement added that cancellation of a number of flights will continue until stable climate conditions are restored in some regions in the country.

The department also mentioned reduced horizontal visibility and special weather conditions affecting some airports that were destination of canceled flights as the main reason behind the decision.