Flash Flooding in East Azerbaijan Province, Iran: A Field Report

On Friday, 14 April 2017, a heavy flash flood occurred in North-West of Iran that affected 12 cities; the most severely affected and damaged ones were Ajabshir and Azarshahr in East Azerbaijan Province. These Flash floods claimed the lives of 42 people. Major casualties occurred when the victims were trapped inside their cars. According to preliminary analyses, flood damages in East Azerbaijan Province are estimated to be around three trillion Rials. Following the Flash floods, disaster relief organizations were activated. Iranian President, Minister of Energy, and the provincial authorities rushed to visit flood-stricken areas and oversee the rescue and relief operations.