A devastating flash flood swept through the southern city of Jiroft in Iran's Kerman province on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of 15 lives, state media reported. The count was updated from an initial report of six fatalities following the discovery of the last body by rescue teams, according to the official IRNA news agency.
After completing an extensive search and rescue operation, authorities have declared the mission concluded.
Jiroft, typically situated in Iran's arid southern region, experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall that triggered the sudden flood. Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events globally, including prolonged droughts and the increased likelihood of severe rainstorms.
Over the past decade, Iran has been grappling with recurrent droughts, but recent years have also seen a surge in flood incidents. The situation is particularly dire when torrential rains descend on parched earth, a combination that exacerbates flooding risks. In 2022, heavy rains in southern Iran claimed at least 80 lives and caused an estimated $200 million in damage.
The recent tragedy in Jiroft underscores the urgent need for climate resilience measures and proactive disaster management strategies to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
