Karaj, Alborz Prov, July 20, IRNA – At least eight people were reported to be killed on Sunday due to floods triggered by torrential rains in this northern Iranian province, a local official told IRNA on Monday.
Mohammad-Taqi Irani, deputy governor of Alborz province, said the Karaj river overflowed following heavy rain and thunder in Chalous road washing away 25 cars.
The flood caused serious damage to the area, the official added.
Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the flood-stricken area and succeeded to evacuate five dead bodies from the river on Sunday night, Irani said.
On Monday morning, three more bodies were found by relief workers after their nightly relentless efforts.
Up to now, Irani added, aid workers have treated 30 wounded.
More than 30 cars, also have been pulled out of the mud, said the official adding the number of the trapped cars is more than what has been reported.
Rescue teams are still searching the riverbanks for missing people.
Moreover, highwinds of up to 80 km/h which hit metropolitan capital of Iran, Tehran and its neighboring towns on Sunday evening have reportedly damaged property.
The Chalous mountainous road connects Alborz province to Mazandaran province in northern Iran. It is one of the busiest roads in the country used mostly by Tehrani people who drive to popular tourist attractions in the north of Iran on weekends and for holidays.