Page 13 - IRANRptAug22

2.7 At least 53 confirmed dead in Iran flash floods
At least 53 people were on July 29 confirmed dead amid landslides and flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in Iran, officials said. There were fears the death toll could mount considerably, with at least 16 people thought to be missing.
Officials spoke of two days of floods that have afflicted 400 towns and villages in 18 of Iran’s 31 provinces. Many highways were closed as impassable. The worst impacted area was Firouz Kooh, located in the foothills of Alborz Mountains northeast of the capital Tehran At at least 10 people died there, while six were missing, Tehran governor Mohsen Mansouri informed state media.
Mansouri said it was a grave concern that though the floods were continuing trekkers, amid repeated warnings to stay away, were still heading toward Firouz Kooh, a popular retreat for holidaymakers given its cool summer temperatures.
On July 23, flash floods that hit the southern Fars province killed 22 people. Vehicles were swept away by fast-flowing waters.
Iran has endured persistent drought in recent years that leaves sun-baked earth. When torrential rain falls on such ground there is high susceptibility to floods. In 2019, heavy rains in the country’s south left at least 76 dead. The triggered floods caused damage estimated at more than $2bn.
13 IRAN Country Report August 2022 www.intellinews.com