Iran: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in Tehran and Fars provinces as of July 28

Event

Authorities continue to respond to severe flooding in parts of Tehran and Fars flooding as of July 28. Following heavy rainfall overnight July 27-28, flash flooding and mudslides occurred in the vicinity of the Imamzadeh Davood shrine north of Tehran early July 28. Response and rescue operations are ongoing in the affected area and authorities have reported six fatalities after people became trapped in the mudslide and other debris. At least nine others have been injured and nine remain missing. Around 500 people have been evacuated from the area. Flooding has also affected other parts of Tehran Province, including the cities of Damavand, Pardis, Shemiran, Malard, and Pakdasht. Two further fatalities and eight injuries have been reported across these areas. Flooding and landslides have blocked numerous roads in the province and authorities are advising residents to take precautions due to the threat of further flash floods.

In Fars province, three villages have been evacuated in the Darab area and three settlements in Gerash have been evacuated. Flooding has also been reported in the Farashaband area. Several roads in the province have been blocked by flooding and landslides, including the main highway between Fasa and Darab. Further adverse weather is forecast across parts of both provinces in the coming days, with strong thunderstorms accompanied by heavy downpours likely. The additional rainfall will likely trigger further flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks and over ground already saturated by previous rainfall. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could issue additional mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services may occur where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Due to the arid nature of the region and poor stormwater management in some urban areas, even minor rainfall accumulations could quickly result in episodes of flash flooding. Flooding is possible in streams and dry riverbeds. Significant rainfall may be preceded by moderate winds and dust storms, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high levels of dust without rain.

Transport
The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the regions. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Additionally, ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Traffic and commercial trucking delays might occur along regional highways. Flooding downpours could inundate some low-lying roads in areas with poor drainage. Strong winds might also pose a hazard to high-profile vehicles.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.

Advice

Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides and mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions. Take precautions against insect and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.