TEHRAN — 16 villages in Rigan, southeastern province of Kerman, were buried in sand and became completely deserted, IRIB reported.

Massive sand influx and consistent sand storms led to the complete disappearance of the villages under piles of sand, the Rigan governor, Amin Baqeri said.

Agriculture and livestock are totally ruined in this area and it suffered a loss of 320 billion rials (nearly $9 million), Baqeri added.

The continuance of sand influx has already endangered 80 other villages and if not stopped timely they are subjected to be deserted too, the governor warned.

MQ/MG