A picture taken on October 6, 2018 shows underway relief efforts after severe flooding in the northern Iranian province of Gilan. (Photo by Tasnim News Agency)

Heavy downpours have caused flooding in Iran's northern provinces, killing at least seven people and causing damage to roads and bridges as well as water, gas and electrical supply lines.

The rainfalls began on Saturday continuing through Sunday, with the northern provinces of Mazandaran, Golestan, Gilan, and North Khorasan worst hit in the ensuring floods.

The fatalities were caused in Mazandaran, North Khorasan, and Gilan, where one person was also reported missing. 

The scale of destruction has reportedly exceeded expectations in Mazandaran, where floodwaters filled houses in some areas.

Footage from Mazandaran Province showed massive flows of water running over roads and streets, with cars being washed away, people struggling to walk, and traffic being disrupted.

This picture taken on October 6, 2018 shows flooding in a northern Iranian province. (Photo by ISNA)

The relief and rescue organization of Iran's Red Crescent Society said it has delivered preliminary aid supplies to those affected. 

Morteza Salimi, the head of the organization, said a number of residential structures have been drained and several vehicles pulled out of floodwaters. 

Last April, torrential downpours caused flooding and landslides in the provinces of East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Kordestan, and Zanjan in Iran’s northwest, killing a total of 48 people.