The death toll from Friday floods in the Iranian cities of Kalaleh and Minoudash in Golestan province has reached 20 people, an official said on Saturday.
The floods, triggered by torrential rains, have hit more than 15 villages in the region, threatening more lives as the heavy rainfalls continue unabated, he told the official Iranian news agency (IRNA).
Many residents and visitors have left their houses and cars and climbed high buildings and trees, he added.
Efforts for rescue and relief operations by helicopters have been hampered by the incessant downpours and the hazy weather, he added.
The floods have cut electricity, gas and water supply as well as the roads link between the affected regions with the rest of the province and washed away farmlands, he added.
Abol-Qassem Safavi, of the natural disasters department, earlier told IRNA that the floods have also cut the main road between Tehran and Iran's northeastern border with Turkmenistan.
At least 34 people were reported to have been killed and many others injured in recent floods in the north and northwestern Iran – Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
