Aq Qala Flood- (Extended)

Aq Qala, Golestan, Iran
March 25, 2019

 The Golestan floods, caused by heavy rains starting on 19 March, have affected a total of 10 cities in northeast Iran (The cities of Gorgan, Bandar Turkman, Azad Shahr, Aq Qqala, Gonbad-e Kavus, bandar-e Gaz, Ali Abad, Kalaleh, Kordkuy, and Minodaasht). These heavy rains in Golestan are unprecedented as 70 per cent of average annual rain fell in the first 24 hours. In Golestan and Mazandran provinces, 11 people were confirmed dead and an estimated number of 20 people injured since the floods started on 19 March.

The worst affected areas are in the cities of Aq Qqala , Gomishan and Gonbad Kavous and their surrounding villages such as Yampi; where large parts are submerged under water. As a safety measure power supply was cut off in several areas. Over 60,000 people have been impacted by the flooding in 10 cities, which most stay with relatives in nearby villages. At least 10,000 people are provided emergency shelter assistance in stadiums, exhibition areas, schools and other large public facilities provided by IRCS (Iranian Red Crescent Society).