Iran - especially its capital, Tehran - is facing an unprecedented drought this autumn, with rainfall at record lows and reservoirs nearly empty. Officials are pleading with citizens to conserve water as the crisis deepens.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that if there is not enough rainfall soon, Tehran's water supply could be rationed. But he said that even rationing might not be enough to prevent a disaster.
If rationing doesn't work, Pezeshkian said, we may have to evacuate Tehran. His comments have prompted criticism in Iranian newspapers and on social media. Former Tehran mayor Gholamhossein Karbaschi called the idea a joke and said evacuating Tehran makes no sense at all.
Iran's meteorological officials say no rainfall is expected over the next 10 days. Meanwhile, the water crisis is already affecting daily life in the capital. Many residents are contemplating buying water tankers for essential household use.
The manager of the Latian Dam, one of Tehran's main water sources, reports it now holds less than 10% of its capacity, with similar dire conditions noted for the Karaj Dam which supplies Tehran and surrounding provinces.
Iran's Minister of Energy has warned that if the situation does not improve, drastic measures like cutting water supplies may need to be implemented. Citizens and businesses that excessively consume water may face penalties.
The water crisis in Tehran is exacerbated by aging infrastructure and damage stemming from the recent conflict with Israel, drawing attention to the long-recognized but poorly addressed water scarcity issues in Iran.
The situation remains grim, with over 16 million residents across Tehran, Karaj, and Mashhad facing an uncertain future concerning water availability. The crisis, often characterized as a 'mega-challenge of drought', reflects systemic issues that have persisted for decades.
