Death toll of Iranian floods rises to 69 - China.org.cn

Flash floods caused by heavy rains that have lasted over a week have killed at least 69 and wounded 39 across Iran, while 45 others remain missing, a disaster management official said Sunday.

Six of the deceased, three of the wounded and three of the missing are Iraqi nationals, Nejad Jahani, deputy head of the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO), told semi-official Tasnim News Agency.

Search, rescue and aid operations are underway in 661 regions in 24 provinces, with a focus on Firuzkuh County of Tehran Province where roads blocked by the flooding have been reopened, said Pir-Hossein Koulivand, president of the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

The casualties are likely to increase as the rescue work continues, said Jahani.