Tabriz, a historic city in the northwest of Iran, also bore the brunt of the storm. The city’s infrastructure, not equipped to handle such severe winter weather, suffered significant damage. Power outages were reported across various neighborhoods, and the heavy snow caused roofs of older buildings to collapse under its weight. The local authorities worked tirelessly to clear roads and restore essential services, but the scale of the disaster stretched resources thin.
Hamedan, another major city, recorded some of the lowest temperatures of the season. The mercury plummeted to a staggering 20 degrees below zero Celsius, creating life-threatening conditions for its residents. Water supplies froze, heating systems failed, and the cold penetrated homes, adding to the misery of those already grappling with the challenges of the snowfall. Farmers and livestock owners in the surrounding areas faced devastating losses, as the extreme cold claimed the lives of countless animals and destroyed crops.
A Royal Visit Amid the Storm
As Iran grappled with the challenges posed by the heavy snowfall, the country was also preparing for an important diplomatic visit. King Olaf V of Norway was scheduled to arrive in Tehran for an official state visit. However, the adverse weather conditions delayed his arrival by a day. The Norwegian monarch’s plane landed at Mehrabad Airport under heavy snowfall, a testament to the persistence and determination of both nations to uphold their diplomatic commitments despite the challenges.