Two 17-Year-Olds Swept Away as Floods Devastate Iran's Sistan and Baluchistan

Two 17-year-old boys were among at least six people killed in devastating floods that have swept across the southern Sistan and Baluchistan province in Iran.

Khalifeh Ahmadpour and Yasser Kiaparvar, both from Zohrikar village, drowned after being swept away by floodwaters in a river. 

Heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, inundating villages and isolating communities.

The situation is particularly dire in Kenarak and Zarabad cities, where homes have been submerged and communication lines severed. 

Moinuddin Saeedi, a representative from Chabahar, blamed the catastrophic situation on the lack of proper infrastructure and government response. 

He warned that flooding in the Sarbaz and Kajo rivers poses a serious threat due to weak infrastructure and unsafe roads.

"Unfortunately, in the previous flood, despite the presence of officials, the infrastructure was destroyed," said Saeedi. 

"We had approvals to create measures to prevent flooding, but events always have a certain sequence and we have to plan before the accident happens," he added. 

Compounding the crisis, at least 154 villages in Nikshahr have been cut off due to blocked communication channels, and 470 cases of power outages have been reported.

Major roads connecting towns are also impassable due to flooding.

Saeedi has issued an urgent plea for help, asking Iranian authorities and citizens to provide immediate assistance.

He emphasized the need for long-term solutions beyond temporary visits from officials.

It is not the first time spring rains have caused deadly floods in Sistan and Baluchistan. 

The lack of preparedness and proper infrastructure has exacerbated the situation.