Geological Organization: Subsidence will cause security crises for the country
The head of the Geological and Mineral Exploration Organization of Iran referred to the state of land subsidence in Iran as a "disaster" and a "silent earthquake," warning of the death of the country's plants, animals, and human societies, saying that "we are driving the country toward destruction."
In Iran, excessive water extraction from underground aquifers (aquifers) has long caused land subsidence, resulting in the disappearance of these holes and aquifers, and subsequent rainfall cannot replenish these resources.
Alireza Shahidi, head of the Geological Organization, announced on Sunday, June 29, that out of 608 plains in Iran, more than 300 are prohibited due to this issue, adding that "this shows the depth of the disaster."
Stating that subsidence will cause security crises for the country, he noted: "Drought causes people to migrate from the south to the north of the country and depopulate large parts of the country. Statistics show that 4 millimeters of subsidence is referred to as a crisis in the European Union, while up to 17 centimeters have been observed in Isfahan and 36 centimeters in Tehran per year."
According to Mr. Shahidi, while all 30 provinces of the country, except for Gilan Province, are struggling with the issue of subsidence, only "in Isfahan Province are officials thinking about dealing with this crisis."
He explained that in the whole world, access to water resources is allowed between 3 and 20 percent, and when it reaches 40 to 60 percent, it is referred to as tension, and between 60 and 80 percent it is a crisis, while in Iran we sometimes use over 80 percent of water resources, "and willingly or unwillingly we are leading the country towards destruction."
Alireza Shahidi, referring to Iran's location in an arid climate and the occurrence of drought over a 30-year period, said: "Only 10 years have passed since the drought period and we have a long, difficult period ahead of us."
Previously, officials have warned about the impact of land subsidence on Iran's ancient monuments, and in particular the dangers that this poses to Persepolis.
Source: Radio Farda
