Iran: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and northern regions as of June 12

Event

Disruptions following severe weather are ongoing across parts of central and northern Iran as of June 12. Heavy rainfall and strong winds have been ongoing across the affected region in recent days, with the most severe weather reported June 8-9. The heavy downpours have triggered flooding in at least 13 provinces, including East Azerbaijan. Isfahan, Qazvin, Semnan, and Zanjan. Authorities in multiple areas have reported casualties and damage caused by the adverse weather.

Authorities reported four flood-related fatalities in Ardestan District In Isfahan Province, as well as nine others injured, two more missing, and at least 15 damaged homes. Another fatality and two further injuries were reported during floods in the city of Ahar in East Azerbaijan Province and one person was killed by lightning in Arak, Markazi Province. Around 25 people were injured and dozens of homes were damaged by floods in Firuzkuh County in Tehran Province, Floods and landslides injured at least nine people and blocked roads in Alborz Province. Communities near the Gotvand Dam in Khuzestan have been inundated after the dam overflowed following the heavy rainfall. Further flood and storm damage was reported in Shahrud in Semnan Province, Zanjan city in Zanjan Province, Komeshcheh in Isfahan Province, and Buin Zahra and Qazvin counties in Qazvin Province. Multiple roads across the affected region have been made impassable by floodwaters and landslides. Lingering disruptions associated with the adverse weather are expected in affected regions over the coming days.

Hazardous Conditions
Heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks and over ground saturated by previous rain. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites 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 rain 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. Moderate winds and dust storms may precede significant rainfall, though some areas - particularly desert areas - may experience high dust levels 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 flood 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.