President Rouhani puts governors on full alert as floods continue in several provinces

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has put all governors, governors general and officials in all Iranian provinces on full alert as widespread flooding continues in many parts of the country.

Rouhani issued the order on Sunday, also calling on provincial officials to coordinate necessary preparations to handle various issues facing people in the flood-hit areas.

Rouhani pointed to the continuation of flash floods in the northern province of Golestan and called for a cabinet session to assess the extent of damage on the province's infrastructure, farmlands and personal property.

PressTV-In pictures: Relief operations in Iran's flood-hit provinces

Iran’s Armed Forces, the Basij volunteer forces and various other aid agencies are providing relief aid to people in Mazandaran and Golestan provinces.

In Shiraz, flood takes lives on its way through

At least 19 people were killed and 119 injured in flooding that hit the southern city of Shiraz, head of Iran Emergency Medical Service Pirhossein Kolivand was quoted by Tasnim News Agency as saying on Monday.

Showers and thunderstorm in Shiraz caught many New Year travelers by surprise. Witnesses say many streets are inundated.

Head of the Iran Police Information and Traffic Control Center Nader Rahmani said the flood has carried away more than 200 vehicles, though the exact number is not clear yet.

The flooding in Shiraz inflicted financial damage upon the city’s markets, including the Vakil Bazaar, which has been registered as a national heritage..

Rouhani condoles with flood victims, urges more relief work

Later on Monday, President Rouhani issued a message, extending his condolences to the victims of recent floods in a number of Iranian provinces and urging all concerned officials to boost their efforts to solve the problems that face flood-stricken areas of the country.

“I extend my condolences to the dear Iranian nation, especially the honorable people in all flood-hit provinces and particularly the bereaved families [who lost a loved one] in the today’s incident in Shiraz and ask the Almighty God to grant patience to survivors and speedy recovery to the injured,” Rouhani said.

Iran's president also tasked the interior minister and the governor general of Fars province to explore the reasons behind today’s deadly flood in the city of Shiraz and deal with all possible parties who have failed to fulfill their duties in this regard.

Potential flooding in Tehran, warns official

Meanwhile, Hassan Razavi, managing director of the Regional Water Company of Tehran, warned on Monday about the possibility of heavy rainfall and inundation of provincial rivers in the coming days.

"According to an announcement by Iran's Meteorological Organization, heavy precipitation and subsequent flooding are possible along the path of rivers and flood channels across the province," he added.

The official also warned New Year vacationists against erecting their tents around and on the bed of rivers even dry waterways and flood channels, emphasizing that travelers should avoid stopping near such places to watch or shoot the flooding.

Iran’s Meteorological Organization has warned that the downpours will continue for the next two days in various parts of the country.

PressTV-Iranian people join armed forces to aid flood-hit provinces

Iranians are joining nationwide efforts to help thousands of people trapped in the country's flooded northern cities.

Mehrabad Airport delays, cancels flights

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Department of Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport issued a statement on Monday, noting that it is canceling or postponing some scheduled flights due to foul weather conditions.

The statement added that cancellation of a number of flights will continue until stable climate conditions are restored in some regions in the country.

The department also mentioned reduced horizontal visibility and special weather conditions affecting some airports that were destination of canceled flights as the main reason behind the decision.

IRGC Aerospace Division helps flood victims in north Iran

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced in a statement on Monday that units of its Aerospace Division have been dispatched to help people stricken by flood in northern Iranian province of Golestan, Fars News Agency reported.

The statement added that the IRGC forces are using helicopters to provide flood-hit people with provisions, including food and drinking water, and transfer necessary equipment for relief workers.

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