TEHRAN – Iranian philanthropists have made contributions both in cash and kind amounting to 880 billion rials (about $20 million) to flood-hit families, Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation has announced, IRNA reported on Monday.

According to the Foundation’s announcement, benefactors have donated some 330 billion rials (about $7.8 million) financial aids and the rest were in-kind contributions.

Flood devastated 60,000 housing units owned by the families under the Foundation’s coverage, 20,000 of which must be rebuilt, so, the Foundation has started reconstruction since last week, the report added.

Iranian Red Crescent Society Chief Ali Asghar Peyvandi said on Saturday people have so far donated some 1.3 trillion rials (nearly $31 million) in cash and kind to the flood victims.

Heavy rainfall, beginning on March 19 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.

FB/MQ/MG