Ali Nasiri, head of the Tehran Disaster Prevention and Management Organization, pointed to meteorological forecasts predicting heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding, urging citizens to be aware of this serious threat. He emphasized that this weather system could bring dangers such as surface runoff and rising river water levels.
Preparedness for Possible Floods
Nasiri warned about the likelihood of flooding along riverbanks and urban street flooding, saying: “The Meteorological Organization rarely issues a red alert for Tehran, and this alert indicates the likelihood of flooding with widespread damage; therefore, this issue must be taken seriously.” He added that the predicted rainfall is such that we will face an unprecedented weather phenomenon.
The head of the Tehran Disaster Prevention and Management Organization urged citizens to refrain from mountaineering and being in high altitudes on Saturday and Sunday. He also recommended avoiding unnecessary travel with personal vehicles to keep urban routes open for emergency and service vehicles.
Flood Management Equipment and Plans
Nasiri referred to the stormwater drainage network of the capital, stating: “Tehran has about ٥٥٠ kilometers of tunnels and channels for stormwater drainage. Although the rivers have been dredged and cleaned, there are still bottleneck points that may face water backflow during heavy rainfall.” He announced that flood drainage machinery and equipment have been deployed in necessary locations.
He also mentioned conducting flood drills in the Chitgar Lake and Taleqan Dam area, attended by over a thousand managers and rescuers. Nasiri emphasized that flood maps and flood risk maps for Tehran have been prepared, and areas with a high likelihood of problems have been identified.
Nasiri also pointed to potential damage to urban infrastructure, saying: “In such conditions, there is a possibility of disruption in communication networks, mobile phones, and landlines. Additionally, water and electricity infrastructure may be damaged; therefore, citizens should stay away from power poles and electrical equipment and remain indoors during thunderstorms.”
He concluded by emphasizing that urban management preparedness does not mean a lack of need for public cooperation and urged citizens to take safety recommendations seriously.
