A trail of death and destruction left behind by heavy downpours in Iran's north and south has cast a dark shadow over Nowruz this year. The Iranian New Year — which began March 21 — characterized by celebrations, family visits and holiday trips has so far been but a mess for many who had planned it months ahead.
The government says it has been mobilizing all facilities to adequately respond to the disaster, but that does not seem to have appeased many critics. President Hassan Rouhani has come under immense pressure for failing to visit the inundated areas. "After the deadly collapse of the coal mine in Azadshahr [in 2017], Rouhani visited the site as part of his ridiculous election campaign [to garner votes]. But now floods have hit the same province and he is gone," one person tweeted.
