Iran drenched

Press, 29 July 1987, Page 10

Iran drenched

NZPA-Reuter London Flash floods killed 113 people in north Teheran, and officials warned of more rain to come, saying residents should be prepared to leave their homes, Iranian news media reported yesterday. Teheran’s Mayor, Mohammad Nabi Habibi, said two-tonne rocks rolled down the mountain north of the capital to Tarjish Square in the northern part of the city as storms uprooted trees and swept away cars. He told Teheran Radio heavy rain east and northwest of the city was likely

to cause more floods and residents. should prepare to leave their homes if necessary. The Teheran police chief, Abbas Moazzami, said the death toll stood at 113 by early yesterday. “Kayhan” newspaper quoted relief workers and witnesses as saying more casualties were feared. Tens of houses and shops and some 300 cars had been damaged, Mr Moazzami said. “Ettelaat” newspaper said telephone booths were floating bn water 4m -. deep in some areas. “Kayhan” said carpets, re-

frigerators, clothes and shoes were strewn about flooded streets. More rain, unusual in Teheran at this time of the year, was forecast for the next 24 hours, “Ettelaat” said. Iran’s national news agency. LR.N.A. said tor-rential-rain yesterday also hit Arak city south-west of Teheran, killing or injuring, 55 people. T * About 150 people, were reported killed In. eastern Iran two dayS earlier when a river buret its banks and swept away people picnicking near Neyshabur city. ..