Local officials in South Khorasan say the province has moved from the “water crisis” stage to “water bankruptcy” after 26 consecutive years of drought

Local officials in South Khorasan say that after 26 consecutive years of drought, excessive extraction of groundwater resources, and the expansion of land subsidence, the province has passed the “water crisis” stage and is now entering the “water bankruptcy” stage; according to experts, a complete return from this situation is no longer possible.

The state news agency IRNA reported on Saturday, 20 Tir 1405, citing provincial officials, that drought in South Khorasan, which began in the 1378–1379 water year, is now entering its 26th consecutive year.