Landslides, floods kill at least 53 in Iran

Tehran: At least fifty-three people were killed and sixteen went missing due to landslides and floods triggered by heavy rains in Iran.

Iran's head of emergency operations at the Red Crescent Society, Mehdi Valipour, said that floods have affected 400 towns and villages in 18 of Iran’s 31 provinces during the last two days. Many highways were closed.

Floods were still ravaging northern areas of Tehran province, he said, adding that despite repeated warnings, trekkers were still heading toward Firouz Kooh.

The town of Firouz Kooh, about 140 km (90 miles) from Tehran, is a favorite retreat for vacationers because of its cool summer temperatures. The area's lush trails are also popular with trekkers.