More Die by Drowning

The number of drowning deaths in the country increased by 23% during the first four months of the current Iranian year (March 21-July 22) compared to same period last year. Close to 449 people died in drowning incidents during the period, compared to last year’s 365, IRNA reported. Around 42% of all incidents occurred in five provinces of Khuzestan (15%), East Azarbaijan (13%), Fars (9.7%), Isfahan (7.3%), and Mazandaran (7.1%) respectively. Most of the drowning deaths in East Azarbaijan Province were due to floods which hit the province on April 15. Rivers caused the maximum fatalities, accounting for 146 or 32.5% of total drowning deaths.