TEHRAN Police have detained 44 in the central city of Isfahan who were behind violent demonstrations against the water shortage in the city which brought traffic into a standstill.

According to the reports, the whole nation of Iran is currently faced with a severe drought for the third year running.

The provincial police Chief Brigadier General Alireza Beigi said that the demonstrators smashed the windowpanes of several banks and also telephone booths.

He added that in another the protestors have burned tires and chanted slogans against the provincial officials.

Beigi also said that the demonstrators intended to enter the provincial water organization, but police fired shots into the air and 44 were rounded up.

Iran is facing an acute water crisis due to a severe drought that has hit the country for the third year in a row amid reports of wasteful water consumption.