“The deluge has created problems in the oilfields but our production from the joint oilfields with Iraq has not been halted or lowered and is continuing albeit with immense difficulty,” IRNA quoted Touraj Dehqani as saying.
The five oilfields shared between Iran and Iraq, including South Azadegan, North Azadegan, Yadavaran, North Yaran and South Yaran, are located near the Hawizeh Marshes, which straddles the border between the two countries and is known to locals as Hurolazim.
“These areas have always been exposed to inundation (due to the location on the west of Karoun River). However, oil-related activities continue despite the hard conditions,” Financial Tribune quoted Dehqani as saying.
None of the oil pipelines in the region have been affected by the floodwaters. “Precautionary measures have been taken not to let more water enter the oilfields”.
Iran’s production from the joint oilfields has risen to 350,000 barrels per day during the past two years.
Heavy floods, unprecedented in the past 62 years, have affected around two thirds of the country with areas in northeast, west and southwest suffering the most. Nearly 70 people have been killed since the heavy downpours began on March 19.
Flash floods inundated parts of oil-rich Khuzestan Province in the southwest. The deluge has forced thousands of people in the region to evacuate their homes as the two big rivers Karkheh and Dez have burst their banks inundating many towns and rural areas.