In 2023, as the new year commenced, Iran’s Sistan and Baluchistan province encountered remarkably low rainfall during the autumn and winter seasons. Meteorological records indicate a drastic ‘67%’ decrease in precipitation compared to historical averages.
Despite forecasts predicting rain, the province witnessed minimal rainfall during the autumn and winter of 2023, with only isolated showers occurring sporadically. This alarming trend has prompted concerns of a looming drought crisis within the region.
Mohsen Heydari, Director General of Meteorology for Sistan and Baluchistan, highlighted the severity of the situation in an interview with the ‘ILNA’ news agency. He noted that since the beginning of the crop year, the province has only received approximately ’15 mm’ of rain, representing a significant ’67 percent’ drop compared to long-term averages. Moreover, this figure reflects a ‘40%’ decrease from the previous year’s rainfall levels.
Recent reports have indicated a surge in migration from central areas towards the northern provinces, raising red flags about the dire consequences of this phenomenon. As the Asr-e Iran website criticized government officials, questioning their willingness to endure the impoverished conditions faced by many citizens, concerns about societal disparities and environmental degradation have intensified.
Ahad Vazifeh, head of the National Drought Center at the Meteorological Organization, had previously warned about the impending crisis, emphasizing the alarming depletion of water resources such as the Hirmand River. This depletion has led to an influx of migrants from provinces like Sistan and Baluchistan towards the relatively more hospitable northern regions of the country.
According to Heydari, by the end of December, ‘99.6%’ of the province was grappling with varying degrees of drought, with ‘75.5%’ experiencing severe drought conditions. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management strategies.
Furthermore, concerns about future water scarcity have been voiced by Sahar Tajbakhsh Muslim, head of the Iranian Meteorological Organization, who warned of an impending crisis during the summer months. With many cities facing unsustainable water conditions, proactive measures must be taken to mitigate the impending water shortage.
Sistan and Baluchistan’s predicament is exacerbated by decades of mismanagement of water resources by government officials. Coupled with systemic inequalities and repression faced by its inhabitants, the province now finds itself in its driest and hottest state on record, as indicated by expert analyses and meteorological data. Urgent action is imperative to address these challenges and safeguard the well-being of the region’s population.
