Approximately 4500 Floods in 10 Years; Parliament Research Center: 56 Million People at Risk of Flooding

The Research Center of the Islamic Consultative Assembly reported that about 28% of Iran's area, with a population of around 56 million, is at risk of severe flooding, with approximately 15 million of this population exposed to high-intensity floods. The website 'Tejarat News' reported on Thursday, March 15, referring to the parliamentary research report, that the average rainfall in Iran is one-third of the global average, yet every time there has been heavy rainfall, it has caused significant damage. The website emphasized that the destruction caused by floods in Iran is considerable, citing recent floods in Sistan and Baluchestan as evidence. Accordingly, the report from Tejarat News stated that due to its geographical location and geological characteristics, Iran is one of the 10 most disaster-prone countries in the world. The report indicates that approximately 4500 floods have been recorded in Iran over the past 10 years, resulting in high damages. According to Voice of America, alongside this volume of flooding in Iran, mismanagement and lack of facilities exacerbate the situation. Thus, more than two weeks after the flooding in Sistan and Baluchestan and the problems created for a large portion of the people in this province, many are still struggling with issues such as securing food and hygiene supplies. It has previously been reported that at least '16 counties and 1,947 villages' in Sistan and Baluchestan are affected by this flood and have suffered heavy damages, but reports published in state media regarding government and organizational aid in these areas do not correspond to the extent and scale of the damages incurred. In this context, Moein al-Din Saidi, a representative in the 11th Parliament, sarcastically referred to the ineffective presence of officials during the flood, saying: 'We are grateful that friends finally fulfilled their duties and the President also visited the flood-affected areas; however, more important than presence are the decisions that must lead to a specific outcome. Now, most infrastructure in some areas has been completely destroyed.'