Rare late autumn rain in Tehran eases drought and air pollution, but officials warn water shortages persist in Iran’s worst drought in 60 years
TEHRAN: The first autumn rains have brought relief to Tehran after months of severe nationwide drought.
Rare late-season downpours caused major traffic jams across the Iranian capital on Wednesday.
Iran is suffering its worst drought in over 60 years, with Tehran’s rainfall at century-low levels, authorities stated in October.
The first autumn rains typically arrive in September.
Bus driver Amir Abkari, 58, expressed gratitude for the recent weather change.
“We thank God for the rain we’ve had over the last few days. The air is cleaner, and even though the traffic is heavier, we can cope with it,” he said.
Abkari noted he and his neighbours had recently reduced water consumption following official appeals.
The rain brought a dusting of snow to mountains north of Tehran, visible after a months-long absence.
Jeweller Armaghan Kamyabi, 35, said he was “happy that it has rained. I hope the rainfall will continue.”
A water sector official told Iran’s ISNA news agency the rains do not compensate for critical water shortages in the country’s dams.
Reservoirs remain at minimum levels despite the precipitation, the official stated on Tuesday.
The government announced periodic night-time water cuts in November to conserve supplies.
Tehran, home to over 10 million people, experiences hot, dry summers and sometimes harsh, snowy winters.
President Massoud Pezeshkian has repeatedly warned Tehran may need evacuation due to water scarcity, without detailing how.
Heavy rains caused flooding in western provinces including Zanjan and Kurdistan, Mehr news agency reported Thursday.
Iran’s meteorological organisation forecasts more rain and snow for western and north-western regions from Saturday.
Authorities confirmed cloud seeding operations were carried out in certain regions on Wednesday. – AFP
