Turkey 'ready to help' flood-stricken Iran

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Turkey expressed sorrow over Saturday's floods in northwestern Iran killing at least 40 people, the Foreign Ministry said Sunday.

"We learned with great sorrow that flash floods in northwestern Iran have resulted in loss of lives and property and that they have so far claimed 42 lives," the ministry said in a statement.

It conveyed condolences to "friendly and neighborly" people of Iran and wished speedy recovery to the injured.

"​Turkey is ready to help with every possible means to friendly and neighborly people of Iran if need be," it added.

Esma’eel Najjar, the chairman of the National Disaster Management Organization, said on Saturday torrential rains hit East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Kordestan and Zanjan provinces.

The local authorities declared a day of mourning in the area.