Rising Together: One Year After the Floods in South-Eastern Iran

Two waves of torrential rains in early March and mid- April 2024 triggered devastating floods across 16 counties of Sistan & Balouchestan province in south-eastern Iran, impacting thousands of families and severely damaging infrastructure in some of the most vulnerable regions. One year later, two Iranian humanitarians reflect on the response, the long road to recovery, and the resilience of local communities in the face of recurring climate-shocks.

On the Ground to respond to the flood “When we first arrived, the damage was extensive,” recalls Arya Shoaie, a UNHCR Iran staff member who was part of the rapid needs assessment team. “Some villages were flooded. Infrastructure—health, education, livelihoods, and WASH [Water, Sanitation and Hygiene] —was paralyzed, and families were temporarily forces to evacuate due to flooding.”

Concerted by the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO), public authorities, army, and NGOs were proactively deploying their operational teams to the province and were supporting the IRCS to keep responding to the affected communities[1].

“One of the most stark moments for me was visiting “Kheir- Abad” village in Konarak District,” continues Arya. It had been completely flooded and was inaccessible during the first days of the disaster. The village's condition was notably poorer than others. Managing the high expectations for support—while we lacked the funding to comprehensively address all sectors—was the biggest challenge.”

Community at the Centre

Six months later, the scene changed. “The situation wasn’t chaotic anymore,” says Amitis Boroumand, a staff member of UNICEF Iran’s Emergency Section. “Immediate needs had been addressed by the responders, including the government, international organizations, and local NGOs—but most centrally, by the communities themselves.”

Local communities played a pivotal role in the response. “Communities were not just affected—they were among the first responders,” says Arya. “ They led rescue efforts, helped distribute aid, rebuilt roads and homes, and even conducted health campaigns, and advocated for vulnerable groups. They also took part in planning for sustainable agriculture and alternative livelihoods—key to building back better.”

“I was amazed by the trust and openness the local community showed us,” Amitis adds. “But it was also sad to see the limited awareness and preparedness among people, despite the potential that exists on the ground.”

Lessons Learned and the Path Forward

The floods in Sistan and Baluchistan underscored the urgent need for investment in disaster preparedness. “The response highlighted the importance of early warning systems, community involvement, and effective coordination among all stakeholders,” says the UNHCR staff member. These components not only enhance readiness for immediate response but also lay the foundation for reducing disaster impacts in the future.

“Iran has always been prone to natural disasters,” notes Amitis. “With the intensifying effects of climate change and environmental degradation, the focus needs a shift toward strengthening the resilience of local communities and institutions. This includes not only preparedness measures—such as risk assessments, contingency planning, and early warnings—but also forward-looking investments in disaster prevention and mitigation, like land-use planning, sustainable water management, and ecosystem restoration to build resilience among local communities.”

One year on, recovery is still ongoing. The floods revealed how existing vulnerabilities—such as inadequate infrastructure, poverty, and limited access to services—can exacerbate the impact of disasters and prolong recovery efforts. Communities continue to face damaged infrastructure, disrupted livelihoods, and gaps in healthcare and education due to the prolonged recovery efforts. These challenges highlight the interconnected nature of preparedness and resilience: strengthening systems before a crisis helps reduce losses, support faster recovery, and lower the need for prolonged humanitarian interventions.

To address these complex and overlapping needs, Arya emphasized the importance of both increased and more flexible funding. “We urgently need more human resources, medical supplies, shelter materials, WASH facilities, and educational tools to meet immediate needs. But we also need to invest in community capacity-building and public awareness campaigns—critical components of disaster preparedness that also serve long-term resilience. Sustained donor support is not just about responding to today’s emergency; it’s about equipping communities to face tomorrow’s risks with greater strength.”

Reflecting on the floods, one year on, what endures is not just the memory of destruction—but the unwavering resilience it inspired and the story of solidarity, strength, and the communities who continue to rebuild, prepare, and persevere.

Effective disaster response depends not only on preparedness, but also on sustained long- term efforts in disaster prevention and mitigation. These three pillars are deeply interlinked: while preparedness ensures communities are equipped to act quickly and effectively during emergencies, prevention and mitigation measures aim to reduce the severity and frequency of disasters in the first place. Together, they form a comprehensive approach that builds resilience, safeguards development gains, and minimizes long-term recovery needs.

The floods in Sistan and Baluchistan reminded once again the need for investment in disaster preparedness as well as longer-term disaster risk reduction.

ENDS