Record winds have created a massive sandstorm which hit Tehran on Monday, plunging the Iranian capital into darkness, damaging buildings, and killing at least four people.
The disaster struck at 5:10 p.m. local time, knocking out power supplies and sending residents to rush for cover. The wind, reported at 110 kilometers per hour, snapped trees and sweeped debris across streets.
The fatalities were caused by fallen trees, ISNA said. At least 27 others were injured, 10 of them in a road accident when the gloom suddenly descended, according to Amin Sabernia, Iran's chief emergency official.
"It was a horrifying storm and suddenly everywhere went dark," a shopkeeper in Tehran told AP news agency. "I closed my store's shutters to prevent damage. [A] big tree broke and knocked in the windows, shattering them."
Inside the massive sand storm today in Tehran that killed 5 & injured dozens, #Iran media report. Photos via @aaidinpic.twitter.com/DLjRs1PohF
— Negar Mortazavi نگار (@NegarMortazavi) June 2, 2014
The total number of deaths is unclear. Iranian state television said five were killed, while state-run Irna news agency said four died.
#طوفان تهران /پانوراما 5 شات عکس از علیرضا ناصری/کلوپ عکاسان ایرانی pic.twitter.com/hG4M4XO7JL
— Niloufar Sa (@NilSaAr) June 2, 2014
Residents were urged to stay indoors.
Storm disrupts electricity/water/internet in different areas across Tehran, @aaidin reports. #Iranpic.twitter.com/5sTIWz5gy4
— Negar Mortazavi نگار (@NegarMortazavi) June 2, 2014