Avalanches kill 12 in mountainous area near Iran's capital

Iranian rescue workers have ended ir search for survivors following a series of avalanches that killed 12 people in a mountaius area rth of capital, state TV reported.

avalanches struck in four different areas on Friday following strong winds and swfall a day earlier.

Alborz mountain range where avalanches occurred is a popular weekend destination for hiking and climbing. Fridays are a day off for most Iranian workers.

State TV aired foot showing emergency crews using a helicopter to search for missing. Iran's Red Crescent Society also released photos of rescue workers unloing body bags from a helicopter on Saturday.

report said 11 people were found de, and one died after being transferred to a hospital.

It said rescue teams found 14 missing people during operation.

Authorities said many h disregarded reports by meteorological office about possible strong winds on Friday.

Dely avalanches are a rare phemen in Iran. In 2017, two avalanches killed 11 hikers.