Iran: Further flooding expected in southwestern Iran April 6 /update 4

Event

Evacuation notices were issued for a number of towns and villages in southwestern Khuzestan province on Saturday, April 6, as authorities prepare for heavy rains in the coming days. According to the Ministry of the Interior, almost 500,000 people are at risk and five provinces have been put on alert to assist in the event of further flooding. Officials are also preparing to open up the Dez and Kharkheh dams if necessary, which have threatened to overflow in recent days. At least 110 villages have been evacuated due to recent flooding. Significant transportation and other disruptions are possible in Khuzestan province in the coming hours and days.

Context

Heavy rains have caused significant flooding across Iran since March 19. At least 70 people have been killed and another 791 injured as of April 6.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation and business disruptions (including due to road closures), and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.