Iran: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Sistan va Baluchestan Province as of March 4

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Sistan va Baluchestan Province as of March 4. Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused several dams and rivers across the province to overflow. Southern regions of the province, including Dashtiari County, are amongst the worst affected areas. Authorities have reported around 300 homes have been destroyed and around another 1,500 have been damaged by floodwaters across the province. Many roads in the region have been made impassable by floodwaters and landslides, leaving several communities cut off. Water supply disruptions have been reported in some flood-affected areas. Further adverse weather is forecast in the region through at least March 7 and lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected areas even after weather conditions improve.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. 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.

The severe weather will likely contribute to transport disruptions throughout the region. 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.

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.