Iran - Flash Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 2

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2001/0163
OCHA Situation Report No. 2
Iran - Flash floods
14 August 2001

This report is based on information provided by UNDP Iran, Iranian and international media

Situation

1. Flash floods triggered by torrential rains that have started on Friday 10 August affecting three provinces in northeastern Iran have now stopped.

2. So far, more than 170 deaths, mostly in Golestan province, have been reported and according to a news report, 160 people are still missing. Iranian media has also reported that rescue efforts are still continuing and based on the reports of the rescue team, the death tool is expected to rise.

3. Ten thousand people, who were trapped in Golestan province, have been evacuated to safe areas using 11 Government helicopters. According to news reports, Golestan is the worst hit province and more than 2,000 homes were damaged in the heaviest flooding to hit the region in 200 years.

4. The Disaster Task Force of the Ministry of Interior reported that construction of roads, water networks, and electricity, gas and telecommunication lines between affected areas within the provinces and between the three affected provinces are underway.

5. The Government has warned residents in Gorgan city in Golestan province to be ready for evacuation, since the capacity of the Gorgan Dam has reached its maximum level. In case of new heavy rain, another flash flood is expected in the area.

National Response

6. Last evening the Iranian Government announced that IRR 110 billion (approx. USD 13.80 million) would be allocated for rehabilitation activities in the three affected provinces. In connection with the rehabilitation efforts, the Iranian Agricultural Bank has announced that it will provide grants to the farmers who were not covered by insurance funds.

7. On Sunday, 12 August, the Iranian Supreme Leader has sent its condolence message to the people of Iran, especially to the population in the affected provinces and has declared a three-day of mourning in Golestan province.

8. On Saturday, 11 August, the Iranian President has sent a Special Envoy to the area to assess the damages and co-ordinate relief and rescue operations. Other Government officials who have visited the area to assess the situation and help in coordinating relief assistance are the Minister of Interior and the Head of Disaster Task Force who has been in the area for the last four days. Moreover, the President of the National Red Crescent Society is in the area to coordinate relief activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

9. The Government has requested all relevant Iranian organizations to be involved in the relief operation to assist the Government in its disaster response efforts. In this connection, the public is being mobilized to assist in the relief efforts by donating money to a bank account of PSO - Imam Kahomeini Relief Committee.

International Assistance

10. On August 13, the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Anan has issued a statement expressing deep sadness for the loss of life and devastation caused by flash floods in northeastern Iran. He extended his deepest condolences to the people and Government of Iran, and assures them that the United Nations stands ready to assist in the relief and rehabilitation of the affected areas.

11. No request for international assistance has been received by OCHA to date. OCHA is in Contact with the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran who works closely with the Disaster Task Force. OCHA will revert with further information, as it becomes available.

12. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Focal Points (OCHA Response Coordination Branch):
Mr. J. Boutroue (Chief, Africa I and the Middle East)
Ms. T. Ghebremedhin (Desk Officer)
Direct Tel. +41 22 917 1438/3194

Press contact:
Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo (GVA), Direct Tel. +41-22-917 31 60
Ms. Phyllis Lee (NY), Direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32