IRNA � Relief efforts are underway in nine Iranian provinces hit by torrential rains and flooding, the head of Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said on Saturday.


Over the last 48 hours flood relief operations have been carried out in East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Ardebil, Ilam, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, North Khorasan, Khuzestan, Lorestan and Kermanshah provinces, Morteza Salimi said.

Fifteen towns and villages are reportedly grappling now with floodwaters.

Relief operations continue in these regions and 476 people have thus far received relief assistance, Salimi said.

Emergency tents have been set up for 96 people, he added.

According to the official, eight people have been transferred to safe areas and four others to healthcare centers.

Also floodwaters have been pumped out from 20 housing units, he said.