Germany is sending lifeboats to help people trapped after flooding devastated parts of Iran.
The German Red Cross on Monday handed over 40 inflatable lifeboats and 40 outboard engines to the Iranian Red Crescent (IRRCS).
According to official figures, at least 70 people died in the floods over the past three weeks.
There are still a number of people missing and believed dead.
Official statistics only list those victims whose bodies have been found.
The number of fatalities could therefore increase significantly, the IRRCS said.
Out of the 31 provinces, 23 Iranian provinces with almost half a million people are affected by the flood, which surprised people at the Persian New Year on March 21.
The situation remains particularly grave in the south-west of the country, where 12 small towns and villages had to be evacuated.
The water destroyed over 25,000 homes and at least 60,000 families had to flee to emergency shelters.
With the German boats, the rescue services now have better access to the flood areas.
According to information by the IRRCS, Kuwait, Switzerland, Turkey and Germany have sent relief goods to Iran.
As U.S. sanctions are blocking international bank transfers to Iran, no cash donations were sent.
(NAN)
