ReliefWeb

Iranian authorities have reported 70 deaths as of Sunday resulting from flooding affecting several parts of the country.

Mass evacuations have been ordered in the south-western province of Khuzestan affecting approximately 400 000 people.

The Karkheh Dam, which is at near capacity, was opened to discharge excessive water build-up in an effort to prevent catastrophic failure.

Local media is reporting that more than 12 000km of roads representing a third of the country’s network has been damaged. In addition, over 1 900 villages and cities have experienced flooding with more rainfall predicted today and Monday.

DG ECHO has provided EUR 1.2 million in order to assist people affected by the flooding.