Flash floods kill at least 21 people in southern Iran

Iran's Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, shared his condolences with the families of the flood victims, state television later reported.

Rescuers work following the flood in Estahban county in southern Iran, on July 23, 2022. | Photo Credit: Reuters

Flash floods in Iran’s drought-stricken southern Fars province have killed at least 21 people, state television said on July 23.

Heavy rains swelled the Roudbal river by the city of Estahban, according to the city's Governor Yousef Karegar.

Mr. Karegar said rescue teams had saved 55 people who were trapped by the flash flooding, but at least six people were still missing. “Flooding hit more than 10 villages in the province,” he added.

In this photo provided by the Iranian Red Crescent Society on July 23, 2022, members of a rescue team load the body of a victim to an ambulance after flash floods in Iran’s drought-stricken southern Fars province, Iran. | Photo Credit: AP

Iran's Interior Minister, Ahmad Vahidi, shared his condolences with the families of the flood victims, state television later reported.

Iran’s metrology department had warned about possibly heavy seasonal rainfall across the country that is facing a decades-long drought blamed on climate change. The dangers of flash flooding have also been exacerbated by the widespread construction of buildings and roads near riverbeds.

In March 2018, a flash flood in Fars province caused the death of 44 people.