Document Type : Applied Article
Authors
1 Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
2 Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Water and Environment Research Institute, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Abstract
Floods, particularly those exacerbated by human activities, are responsible for significant annual losses in both life and property, and they present ongoing challenges to achieving sustainable development goals. This study investigates the underlying causes and dynamics of the May 2024 flood in Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city. Using a qualitative analysis approach, data were collected through discussion panels with key stakeholders, including officials and residents. The data were transcribed, and thematic analysis was conducted through open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis highlights that human-induced factors—such as inadequate urban design, poor traffic management, improper urban development, disregard for scientific knowledge, legal obstacles, and managerial failures—were the primary contributors to the flood's occurrence and severity. Climate change, while present, was identified as a less significant natural factor. The study emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts among government bodies, civil society, and the public to address the root causes, including unsustainable urban development and lack of risk management, to mitigate future flood risks in Mashhad.
Keywords
- Collective action
- Participatory decision making
- Sustainable Development
- Land Degradation
- Risk Management
Main Subjects
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