Tehran, Iran, April 10
Trend:
Iran's Customs have agreed with the Ministry of Economic Affairs to implement measures to aid the flood-affected population in the country, Trend reports citing Fars News Agency.
In particular, the Iranian Ministry of Economic Affairs received a letter from the Customs, which asked for authorization to halt the entrance fees on goods for the flood-affected part of the population.
“There have been many financial losses due to floods in several provinces of the country, including Golestan, Lorestan and southern provinces,” the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration said in a letter to the Minister of Economic Affairs.
The message further said that "Considering the situation, in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Code, the items required to assist victims of natural disasters or incidental accidents or other duties and missions specified in the Red Crescent Statute, are exempted from payment of entrance fees,”.
Following this request, Minister Farhad Dejpasand, the Minister of Economic Affairs, issued an approval.
Extreme rainfall which began on 19 March has led to flooding in 28 out of 31 provinces affecting 42,269,129 inhabitants in 253 cities and causing widespread damage to municipal facilities, including health centers and hospitals.
Many health facilities in affected areas are either fully or partially damaged, and the risk of water- and vector-borne diseases, including malaria, cholera and other communicable diseases is increasing, also due to the interruption of the water supply.