Heatwave hits water, electricity supplies across much of Iran

A severe heatwave sweeping Iran has disrupted water and electricity supplies in much of the country, with reservoir levels falling to their lowest in a century, state media said Tuesday.

Government offices in at least 15 of Iran's 31 provinces, including the capital Tehran, have been ordered to close on Wednesday in a bid to conserve water and electricity. The measure come as temperatures in parts of southern and southwestern Iran topped 50 degrees Celsius. Government spokeswoman said authorities would extend office closures if it deems necessary, while warning of the critical situation in Tehran regarding water supplies.