08 Apr 2019 | 07:22 PM UTC
Iran: Major dam overflows in Khuzestan province April 8 /update 5
Major dam overflows in Khuzestan province April 8; continued flooding and significant transportation disruptions possible over the coming days and weeks
Event
A major dam on the Karkheh River (Khuzestan province) reportedly overflowed on Monday, April 8, due to flooding from heavy rainfall that has affected the region in recent weeks. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for several towns in Khuzestan province, including Susangerd, Bostan, Rafee', Koot Seyed Naeem, Abu Humaydh, and Hamidiyeh. The Army Ground Forces, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Basij have reportedly deployed forces, heavy military machinery, aircraft, and boats to areas recently affected by severe flooding.
Significant transportation and other disruptions are possible in Khuzestan province in the coming days and weeks.
Context
Heavy rains have caused significant flooding across Iran since March 19. Thousands of people living near the Karkheh and Dez rivers in Khuzestan province have fled the areas in recent days.
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.
