Blizzard, Heavy Rain Trigger Road Blockage, Flooding Across Iran
EghtesadOnline: Heavy rainfall drenched regions across 18 provinces in Iran, causing road blockage, surging floodwater and a significant drop in temperature throughout the country.
Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society’s Search and Rescue Teams, Mahdi Valipour, said on Friday that seven provinces were affected by the blizzards.
West Azerbaijan, Ardabil, Zanjan, Qom, Kurdestan, Gilan and Mazandaran have endured flood damage, Valipour added.
“Some 595 people were rescued in these provinces…Our forces managed to rescue 54 vehicles stuck in floods and blizzards,” he noted.
Nearly 190 members of the organization are providing services to the public. Only one person suffered injuries and is now hospitalized in a local clinic.
The floods burst river banks, caused disruptions on the roads and reduced visibility for drivers, according to Iran Meteorological Organization.
Six roads located in northern areas were deluged by severe floods and snowfalls. According to the road traffic police, car traffic is currently smooth in most affected areas.
Ahmad Shirani, head of the police’s information and traffic control, urged the public to refrain from traveling and to exercise caution in their trips.
“The Tehran-Shomal Freeway and the road connecting Karaj and Chalus are blocked until further notice,” Shirani informed.
Drivers were advised to keep calm, respect the rules and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Weather forecast suggests that temperature will continue to decline in the starting days of the week.
More rain is expected to fall on Tuesday.