Iranians Advised to Beware of Escaping Crocodiles Amid Severe Flooding in Southeastern Iran
Authorities in Iran issue caution as floods displace crocodiles from their habitats in the southeastern region, posing a potential threat to locals.
Iranian authorities have raised concerns about crocodiles being displaced from their homes due to severe flooding in the southeast region of the country.
According to Iranian state news agency IRNA, three workers lost their lives in the floods, following a historic storm that swept through the Middle East.
Heavy rainfall and flash floods hit several Iranian provinces including Bandar Abbas, Kerman, and Sistan and Baluchistan. According to reports from the semi-official news agency Mehr News on Wednesday, rivers overflowed and dams reached their capacity, causing significant damage to properties.
State news media IRNA and Tasnim shared videos showing the extensive floods in the affected areas, with people using boats to rescue others.
The Department of Environment in Sistan and Baluchistan has issued a warning about "short-nosed crocodiles" being displaced from their natural habitats. Local media reported this on Thursday.
Residents are advised to refrain from unnecessary travel near the Bahu Kalat riverbanks, wetlands, marshes, and the surroundings of wildlife habitats until the floodwaters recede completely and conditions return to normal.
The storm caused chaos earlier this week in Dubai and across the UAE.
The storm caused chaos earlier this week in Dubai and across the UAE.
Christopher Pike/AP
The Iranian Red Crescent meanwhile rescued 43 passengers from two buses that were trapped in floods on a road in the southeast, the organization posted on X.
The storm hit Iran late Tuesday and into Wednesday, affecting countries like the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
In the UAE, this week marked the heaviest rainfall in 75 years. Observations at the airport recorded a rainfall of one hundred millimeters (almost 4 inches) within just 12 hours on Tuesday.
In Dubai, a favorite spot for tourists, flights got canceled, traffic stopped, and schools shut down due to the weather.
The weather that caused these disruptions is part of a big storm moving through the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf of Oman. This storm is also bringing lots of rain to Oman and southeastern Iran.
In Oman, heavy rain caused flash floods that led to the tragic loss of at least 18 lives, as reported by the country's National Committee for Emergency Management. Among the casualties were schoolchildren, according to Oman's state news agency.
Editor's P/S:
The severe flooding in Iran has brought to light the plight of the country's wildlife, with displaced crocodiles being a particular concern. The Department of Environment in Sistan and Baluchistan has issued a warning to residents to avoid affected areas as the crocodiles may pose a threat. This highlights the importance of protecting wildlife during natural disasters and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure their safety.
The storm has also caused significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life. The Iranian Red Crescent's rescue efforts demonstrate the resilience and compassion of the Iranian people in the face of adversity. The heavy rainfall and flash floods serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of climate change and the urgent need for global action to mitigate its effects.
