28 March

Widespread flooding in Iran has claimed more than 20 lives. President Hassan Rouhani inspected a flood-hit area and promised to compensate those affected by the disaster.

Iran's state-run media says torrential rain over the past week has caused damage in 25 of the country's 31 provinces.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has set up tents in the affected regions. One of the evacuees says she managed to save her children and sheep, but she lost everything else.

Rouhani visited the northeastern province of Golestan on Wednesday.

He ordered the relevant agencies to carry out rebuilding and promised to pay compensation for damage to homes, businesses and farms.

Rain is still falling in some parts of the flood-stricken areas.

The Iranian authorities are urging residents to remain on the alert.

NHK