At least 18 people have died in flash floods that have swept the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan with several villages destroyed and power and water cut to around 300 more.
At least one person is still missing according to Baluch activists. The region has seen not only river overflows but also landslides that have blocked critical roads and communication routes. Government sources have indicated damage to water facilities in 289 villages and six cities.
Social media users report an absence of government rescue operations in several affected areas, with aid reaching some locations slowly, if at all. One journalist highlighted the severe shortage of water and food in the area, noting that this is the second major flood to displace residents in recent months.
Public outcry has increased as Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Foreign Minister, has offered aid to the oil-rich United Arab Emirates amidst similar floods in the Arab country while support for his own nation has not been forthcoming.
The situation is exacerbated by the escape of short-snouted crocodiles from ponds, posing additional risks to the local populace.
The repeated neglect of infrastructure, such as failing to dredge rivers or maintain adequate urban water systems, has left the province vulnerable to seasonal rains and floods, causing significant annual human and financial losses.
The weather crisis extends beyond Iran’s borders, with neighboring Pakistan and Afghanistan also reporting severe casualties from related flooding, totaling at least 168 deaths.
