Kianoush Saadati, Shortlisted Photographer for the Climate Visuals Photography Award
WHAT IT SHOWS: Severe floods struck Golestan Province of Iran on March 22. The Golestan floods, caused by heavy rains starting on 19 March, have affected a total of 10 cities in northeast Iran (The cities of Gorgan, Bandar Turkman, Azad Shahr, Aq Qqala, Gonbad-e Kavus, bandar-e Gaz, Ali Abad, Kalaleh, Kordkuy, and Minodaasht). These heavy rains in Golestan are unprecedented as 70 per cent of average annual rain fell in the first 24 hours. In Golestan and Mazandran provinces, 11 people were confirmed dead and an estimated number of 20 people injured since the floods started on 19 March.
Over 60,000 people have been impacted by the flooding in 10 cities, which most stay with relatives in nearby villages. At least 10,000 people are provided emergency shelter assistance in stadiums, exhibition areas, schools