Orange Alert Issued As Storms Batter Southeastern Iran

Iranian authorities issued an orange alert Sunday as heavy rains and flooding battered southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan province.

News ID: ۸۲۸۳۴۱

03 March 2024

EghtesadOnline: The region faced thunderstorms, potential hail, powerful winds and flash flooding over the last few days, the provincial meteorological department warned.

Mohsen Heydari, director general of the department, said in an interview that more “rainfall is predicted in some areas, with some regions experiencing thunderstorms, lightning, and the possibility of hail and gusty winds.”

The cities of Zarabad, Fanouj, Lashar, Qasr-e Qand, Nikshahr, Sarbaz, Rask, Konarak, Chabahar and Dashtiyari are expected to see the most intense weather events.

Heydari cautioned residents to “avoid staying and traveling near rivers and streams and to protect agricultural products.” He also advised halting livestock grazing in elevated areas and remaining vigilant when driving.

The deluge has already damaged infrastructure across the province over the past week. Floodwaters severely impacted the historic Heydarabad Castle in Khash County, according to Mojtaba Saadatian, deputy head of the provincial department of cultural heritage, tourism and handicrafts.

“This castle in the adobe region has suffered serious damage to its outer space in the western and southern fronts and the inner walls due to the blockage of roads and lack of communication access in some other areas,” Saadatian explained. “Experts from the General Department of Cultural Heritage of Sistan and Baluchestan are assessing the extent of damage to this structure.”

On a positive note, recent precipitation has replenished regional dams and reservoirs after years of drought, said Mohammad Amin Barani, manager of the Sistan and Balouchestan regional water authority.

The Zirdan, Pishin, Shey Kalk and Khairabad dams have reached full capacity and are overflowing, Barani stated. The rainfall likewise topped off the Saradan feeder dams in Iranshahr and Shamsabad Saravan, elevating water levels elsewhere.

Minister of Interior Ahmad Vahidi visited the hard-hit village of Sind Bahram, meeting with residents and surveying damage. He pledged road repairs and construction of a needed bridge.

Vahidi also emphasized the importance of controlling floodwaters for irrigation purposes through dams and other measures. “Machinery needed for this purpose should be provided, and soil dams should be created so that people can preserve and use the water,” he said.

Provincial airport directors said local transportation hubs are on standby to assist with emergency response and relief efforts as required. / Tasnim