Intense extreme hydro-climatic events take a toll on society

Abstract

In March 2019, the Iranian meteorological organization warned of the formation of several dense precipitation systems throughout the country. This was followed by a chain of storm events that ended up with three major floods with heavy damages, including at least 78 fatalities. Reportedly, within the first 48 h of the storm, the cumulative rainfall reached about 400 mm. Soon after, 23 provinces of Iran received a severe storm warning and an imminent flood alert as the second wave of rainfall was forming in the region. What was striking about these events was that, according to the historical data, the local rainfall rarely caused such extreme floods, indicating the dominant role of human alteration to natural cycles in these damaging flood events. Extreme hydro-climatic events are unavoidable, yet damages by such events are, to some extent, preventable. With proper, efficient, and timely decision making, the threat of natural hazards can be reduced or avoided. On the other hand, hasty and short-sighted decisions can be costly in the face of a natural catastrophe. This study evaluates the 2019 flood events in Iran and assesses the potential causes that amplified the damages, in search for clues to prevent future flood losses.