Gonu Death Toll Now 70

Whole villages were destroyed by floods in Iran as the reported death toll from Cyclone Gonu hit 70.

Nine more people were killed in Iran; 12 had already been confirmed dead.

At least 49 have died in Oman, with more than 24 people reported missing

A resident of Kahir, near the Iranian city of Chabahar, said, “Some 120 families lived here. Not a single house is standing now.

"People have no refuge to seek protection. There is no water, no electricity and no food. No help has reached us.''

Farzad Panahi, head of the National Emergency Relief Committee, said relief operations started as soon as the storm subsided on Friday.

Rescue teams were using helicopters and trucks to send supplies to those affected by the storm.

Gonu steered clear of the region's oil areas and the price of oil - which had risen dramatically amid fears of a shortage - dropped off again by more than $2 (Dh7.34) a barrel.

UAE clean-up

In the Emirates, the Ministry of Education called on all UAE schools to join the coastline clean-up campaign.

Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th June are the days earmarked for the task.

The clean-up operation will cover several areas of the East coast, including Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Kalbaa and Suhaila.

Meanwhile the government has created a national disaster fund of Dh2.3 million to provide financial support during any future natural disasters.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Mariam Mohammad Khalfan Al Roumi, said: "Thank God, the government, as well as non-governmental organisations, were vigilant enough to attend to those affected by the Gonu cyclone.

"Nevertheless, more arrangements to protect citizens are needed to avoid and disasters in the future."