Four killed in Iran landslide triggered by heavy rains

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TEHRAN, IRAN (AP) – A landslide triggered by heavy rains in Iran’s capital killed at least four people yesterday, Iranian state TV reported.

The report said heavy rains in the early hours of yesterday caused flash floods and then landslides in the northwestern part of Tehran, and caused damage to Imamzadeh Davood, a religious shrine in the city.

Rescue teams were deployed at the scene, and nine people were injured in the incident, the report said, adding that others may be buried under the mud and search efforts were underway.

The landslide occurred in a valley in the foothills of Tehran’s Alborz mountains.

In 2015, a flash flood in the area killed at least 14 people.

Ahead of the landslide, officials warned residents of Tehran’s mountainous areas about heavy rains and possible floods.

They also warned that heavier rains were expected.

Last Saturday, flash floods in Iran’s drought-stricken southern Fars province killed at least 21 people and hit more than 10 villages in the province.

Rescue workers clean up mud after flash flooding at Imamzadeh Davood village in the northwestern part of Tehran, Iran. PHOTO: AP