TEHRAN, (AFP) - The floods came after Iran has been suffering its most serious drought in 30 years. The death toll from flooding in northern Iran over the past few days has risen to 116, with 135 people still reported missing, state radio said Monday. Deputy Golestan governor Habibzadeh Dabaq said 10,000 people have so far been evacuated from the affected areas in northeastern Golestan province after torrential rains pounded the region at the weekend.

Serious damage has also been reported to houses, cars and farmland, and provincial officials have announced a three-day period of mourning for the victims. Rescue teams are still searching for the missing. Over 2,000 houses have been damaged between 10 to 100 percent, he said, adding that 18 villages had been affected by the catastrophe.
Local officials have called for shipments of essential supplies including tents and medicine. Infrastructure in the region has also been heavily damaged, the state IRNA news agency reported Saturday.