Pakistan regrets loss of precious lives in Iran flash floods

A helicopter carrying aid arrives at the flooded village of Bamdezh in Iran's Khuzestan province on April 4, 2019. Iranian authorities ordered the evacuation of six cities along the Karkheh river in southwestern Khuzestan province on April 5, after more rain sparked fears of new flooding, state news agency IRNA said. (AFP)

A man clears away mud from his house following floods in the Iranian city of Mamulan in Lorestan province on April 7, 2019. Iran, a usually arid country, has been hit by unprecedented flooding across most of the country since mid-March with 70 people killed, according to the country's emergency services. (AFP)

This file photo gives an aerial view showing trees in a flooded area in Khuzestan province, Iran, April 5, 2019. (Reuters)

• Nearly 400,000 people may have been affected by recent rainfalls in Iran
• PM Imran Khan assured Iran of full humanitarian assistance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the destruction and death toll caused by flash floods in Iran.
In a tweet on Monday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal expressed his condolences to the victims' families, as the death toll from the calamity reaches 70.
"Pained by continuous devastation & loss of life caused by flash floods in #Iran," said the official.

The spokesperson said Pakistan is ready to extend humanitarian support to Iran in rescue efforts. "People of #Pakistan stand in solidarity with their Iranian brethren at this difficult time," he added.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday offered full humanitarian assistance to flood-hit Iran that has evacuated several towns and villages as experts forecast more rains in the coming days.
“Our prayers go to the people of Iran as they deal with unprecedented flooding,” Khan said in a tweet on Sunday. “We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance required.”
According to official figures, the floods have claimed 70 lives and may have affected 400,000 people. Reports indicate that the country’s southern parts have suffered the most in the wake of the natural disaster, and rising waters in the southern Iranian province of Khuzestan have forced the authorities evacuate many thriving settlements.
As the situation gets worse, aid agencies are finding it difficult to deal with the scale of the crisis. The country’s tough economic circumstances, owing to the international sanctions, have only exacerbated the situation.