URGENT UPDATE: Iran’s acute water crisis escalates as authorities announce a temporary cutoff of water supply during evening hours in Tehran. Effective immediately, the water will be turned off from the evening until morning, impacting millions in the capital.
Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi confirmed the measure on September 30, 2023, stating, “We are forced to cut off the water supply for citizens on some evenings so that the reservoirs can refill.” This critical decision comes as the country faces severe shortages, and residents are urged to prepare for significant reductions in water pressure.
The water cutoff has already begun in several districts of Tehran, where residents now face the challenge of storing water for essential needs, including toilet flushing. The population is being advised to install water containers and pumps to mitigate the supply gaps.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned of potential drastic rationing measures if rainfall does not occur by next month. In a concerning scenario, Pezeshkian even mentioned the possibility of evacuating Tehran, which houses approximately 15 million inhabitants. However, experts suggest that such a drastic relocation is more of a rhetorical move than a feasible plan, as it would take years to implement due to the concentration of governmental and economic activities in the city.
Critics are increasingly vocal about the Islamic Republic’s focus on regional conflicts over essential services like water supply systems. This neglect has fueled speculation about the likelihood of protests and social unrest amid the growing water crisis. As citizens grapple with these challenges, the urgency for effective solutions becomes ever more pressing.
The situation is rapidly developing, and the Iranian government is under immense pressure to address these issues before they escalate further. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared for ongoing changes in water availability as authorities work to navigate this critical crisis.
