Why Iran experiencing severe land subsidence?
Implications, solutions
Iran is sinking fast as land subsidence picks up speed at an alarming rate. Decades of draining underground water reserves have hollowed out vast areas, causing the ground to give way and wreak havoc on infrastructure, farmland, and even historical sites. Cities like Tehran and Isfahan are bearing the brunt, with deep cracks tearing through roads and buildings, forcing residents to pack up and leave.
Experts warn the crisis is spinning out of control, with Iran now ranking among the worst-hit countries, as some regions sink more than 15 cm per year. Climate change and poor water management have piled on the pressure, while sanctions have tied Iran’s hands, limiting access to water-saving technology. Satellite data shows the problem has snowballed, tripling in just five years and putting nearly half the population at risk.
With the government scrambling to contain the damage, land subsidence is no longer a problem Iran can sweep under the rug—the consequences are already coming home to roost. For more on the crisis, check out page 4.
See page 4