Iran, Iraq: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in parts of Iran and Iraq as of early April 14

Event

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Iran and Iraq as of early April 14. Flooding was triggered after heavy rainfall in the region since April 12. Authorities in Iran have reported one fatality each in Bukan in West Azerbaijan Province, Mehran in Ilam Province, and Alamut in Qazvin Province due to flooding. Around 400 people have been displaced, including residents of a village downstream of Kamandan Dam in Azna City, Lorestan Province. Authorities have assisted or rescued more than 860 people across East Azarbaijan, Ilam, Kermanshah, Kordestan, Lorestan, and West Azarbaijan provinces. Officials have also warned that the Garan Dam in Marivan and the Chiragwais Dam in Saqez in Kurdistan Province are in danger of overflowing. Roads connecting the villages on the outskirts of Khoaramabad City are closed, and three temporary bridges were destroyed due to overflowing rivers. The Jihadgaran bridge, north of Khorramabad, is flooded while drinking water shortages have been reported near the lower Khorramroud River due to a damaged pipe.

In Iraq, reports indicate flooding in Al-Qadisiyyah, Dohuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Sulaymaniyah governorates. At least three people have died in Babil Governorate in central Iraq due to electrocution while trying to switch off the main supply of power to their homes. Another two fatalities occurred in the Kurdistan Region due to lightning strikes.

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.