In an unprecedented meteorological event, flash floods have wreaked havoc in northern Iran, resulting in injuries to at least 20 individuals. Iranian officials have labeled this natural disaster as the region's most severe rainfall in a century, leading to widespread damage and chaos. The affected areas include the cities of Astara and Talesh, situated along the Caspian Sea coast near the border with Azerbaijan.
The torrential rains began pounding these northern Iranian cities on Sunday and have continued relentlessly, catching residents and authorities off guard. Amir Moradi, the head of crisis management for Gilan province, described the situation, stating, "Heavy rains ... have fallen over Astara which have not been seen in 100 years." Such an extraordinary climatic event has overwhelmed the region's infrastructure and response capabilities.
As a result of the flash floods, at least 20 people have suffered injuries, as reported by the Mehr news agency. The crisis is far from over, with officials warning of the possibility of more flooding on the horizon. This ominous prediction extends to Gilan province and western districts of neighboring Mazandaran, amplifying concerns over the safety and well-being of residents in these areas.
The destructive power of the floodwaters has been evident, with reports of one bridge in Astara collapsing entirely and another sustaining severe damage, according to the Tasnim news agency. Images shared by local media depict emergency teams in action, helping motorists escape from vehicles partially submerged by the rising waters.
Iran's unique geography, characterized by extensive mountain ranges and river systems, makes it particularly vulnerable to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events. This vulnerability has been tragically demonstrated in the past, as last year's floods affected 21 out of Iran's 31 provinces, claiming the lives of at least 96 people, according to authorities. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these latest floods, it highlights the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future.