The Drying of Lake Urmia: From Environmental Catastrophe to Health Crisis; 6 to 15 Million People at Risk

Experts say that with the complete drying of Lake Urmia, between 6 to 15 million people will face a wave of respiratory diseases, forced migration, and other environmental issues. The Ham-Mihan newspaper reported that in June of this year, the lowest water level in Lake Urmia since 1964 was recorded, and by the end of August, the water level had reached 1270 meters; a figure that was previously reported as critical at 1272 meters. The newspaper further noted a specialized meeting titled 'Review and Pathology of the Current Status of Lake Urmia,' quoting Mahdi Fasihi-Herandi, a researcher in governance, diplomacy, and water policy, who stated: 'As the numbers show, Lake Urmia has only 5% of its water; that is, close to zero. We will soon have a crystallized bed that can no longer practically become a saline lake.' Fasihi added that discussing the crisis of Lake Urmia is now meaningless, stating: 'The drying of Lake Urmia is not just about water scarcity and drought; what we realized too late is the neglect of the surrounding community. This issue must be communicated to the local community about the problems caused by excessive water extraction. The main reason for the drying of Lake Urmia is the extraction of groundwater, but until this problem is solved, no solution can be reached.' Mohsen Mousavi-Khansari, a board member of the Sustainable Water and Soil Association of Iran, also stated: 'The Lake Urmia Revival Headquarters had ordered the halt of the construction of some dams. However, under the current government, the construction of several dams has resumed, which is a wrong action. Given the sickly state of the water dams, this should not have happened.' Journalist and environmental activist Javad Heydarian commented on the crisis of Lake Urmia, saying: 'It is a fact that Lake Urmia is drying up; no matter how much effort is made, perhaps the northern half can be revived, but there is no certainty about the southern half. If this lake dries up, we should expect a health and migration crisis.' He added: 'Previously, we had overseas migration, and now due to the current conditions, we have internal migration. Internal migrations come with numerous harms. With the drying of the lake, between 6 to 15 million people will face terrible consequences, and these problems will affect the entire system.' The head of the Environmental Protection Organization acknowledged the worsening situation of Lake Urmia on August 20, following the release of numerous images and documents regarding its critical condition, expressing hope that the autumn season and good rainfall could change the situation of Lake Urmia. The Tasnim news agency, close to security institutions, on August 9, quoted Mojtaba Zolghoudi, the deputy for marine and wetland environment of the Environmental Protection Organization, denying the 'death' of Lake Urmia and claiming an 'increase of 140,000 hectares in the cultivated area of its watershed.'