In Iran’s northeastern Khorasan Razavi province, devastating floods have claimed the lives of 12 people. The disaster, which began last Tuesday following intense rainfall, has caused widespread havoc, particularly in Mashhad and other provincial cities. Streets have been submerged, and powerful currents have swept away vehicles, as shown in numerous videos circulating on social media.
Public Outcry and Government Accountability
The floods have sparked significant criticism from citizens and experts alike. Accusations of “reckless and unprincipled environmental destruction” for construction purposes have been directed at city officials. The public’s skepticism remains high despite government promises of accountability.
One eyewitness from the Seyedi district in Mashhad, the area most affected by the floods, pointed to a recent wall construction as a critical factor in the disaster. “During the recent flood, this wall broke like a dam, causing the floodwaters to flow through the area,” he reported in a video.
Continued Threat of Heavy Rainfall
The situation remains dire as meteorologists predict further heavy rainfall, threatening to worsen the already critical conditions. The outdated and unstable urban infrastructure in Mashhad underscores broader governmental failures that consistently put residents at risk.
Mashhad’s Infrastructure Issues
Mashhad, Iran’s second most populous city, faces numerous challenges with its deteriorating urban structures. Old buildings and neighborhoods with inadequate infrastructure have suffered from years of neglect and lack of investment. These problems include structural instability, insufficient safety measures against natural disasters like earthquakes, and poor living conditions for residents.
Historical Context of Flooding in Iran
This recent flooding disaster brings back memories of the severe floods in April 2019, which affected vast areas across Iran, particularly in Golestan, Fars, Khuzestan, Lorestan, and several other provinces. During that period, Iran experienced three major waves of rain and flooding over two weeks, impacting at least 26 of its 31 provinces and resulting in the deaths of at least 70 people nationwide.
The flooding crisis in Khorasan Razavi highlights the urgent need for better urban planning and disaster management in Iran. As the death toll rises and the threat of further rainfall looms, the public demands more effective measures and accountability from the government to prevent such catastrophes in the future.