Heatwave Hits Water and Electricity Supplies Across Much of Iran

A severe heatwave sweeping across Iran has caused widespread disruptions to both water and electricity supplies, with reservoir levels plummeting to their lowest levels in over a century, according to reports from state media on Tuesday.

The heatwave, which began on Friday, has affected at least 18 out of Iran’s 31 provinces, including the capital Tehran. The extreme temperatures are expected to gradually ease by Thursday, according to meteorological authorities cited by state television.

Impact on Water and Electricity Supplies

Government Response

In an effort to conserve both water and electricity, government offices in at least 10 provinces, including Tehran, have been ordered to close on Wednesday. The aim is to reduce consumption during the peak heat of the day, especially as temperatures in parts of southern and southwestern Iran have reached record-breaking highs.

Temperature Surge

On Monday, 10 provincial capitals recorded temperatures above 40°C (104°F), including Tehran, which hit 40°C for the first time this year. The heatwave has come at a time when the country is also facing a sharp drop in rainfall, the worst in 60 years, according to officials from the Tehran Provincial Water Supply Company.

Drought and Water Shortages

The drought has led to a sharp decline in dam water levels, particularly those supplying Tehran. The company reported that water levels in these dams are now at their lowest point in a century, exacerbating the ongoing water crisis in the capital and other affected regions.

Residents in Tehran have reported frequent water outages lasting several hours over the past few days, with many struggling to access clean water for daily use. In response, the company has recommended that households use tanks and pumps to mitigate the impact of water disruptions.

President’s Warning

President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Sunday that the water crisis in the country is much more severe than publicly acknowledged. He expressed grave concern about the situation, stating:

“The water crisis is more serious than what is being talked about. If this trend continues, we will face a situation for which no solution can be found.”

He further stressed that temporary measures, such as transferring water from other regions to Tehran, would not solve the crisis fundamentally. According to the president, long-term solutions must be implemented to address the ongoing water shortages and prevent a more severe crisis in the future.

Future Outlook

While the heatwave is expected to ease by Thursday, the water crisis remains a pressing issue for millions of Iranians, particularly in urban centres like Tehran. With reservoirs running dry and water levels declining, the government faces the difficult task of managing both the heatwave and the long-term effects of the drought that has gripped the country.

As temperatures continue to soar, and with rainfall at historic lows, the Iranian government will need to explore innovative solutions and policy measures to address the water and energy shortages in the coming months.

Figures

The situation remains tense, with both public dissatisfaction and the government’s response under close scrutiny as Iranians brace for further disruptions.