Investigating the Causes and Effects of Recent Floods in Iran: A Qualitative Study of Auto-Photography

Introduction Floods are one of the most complex and destructive hazards that lead to many consequences. This study aimed to investigate the causes of recent floods in Iran based on photographs taken by people and to examine their causes. Methods In this qualitative study, the auto-photographic method was used to investigate the causes of the floods in Iran in 2019. First, the photos were input into the MAXQDA software, and one or more codes were assigned to each photo. Then, the researchers extracted the codes. Finally, the results were discussed in an expert panel. Results The themes included natural factors, human factors, and a combination of these two factors. Sub-themes included unauthorized construction, managerial factors (neglect), negligence, deforestation, heavy rainfall, geological factors, and morphological features. Discussion The 2019 floods in Iran, driven by a combination of natural factors like heavy rainfall and morphological features, and human-induced issues such as unauthorized constructions, deforestation, and poor watershed management, highlight the urgent need for integrated flood control strategies and enhanced public awareness to mitigate future risks. Conclusion This review of different dimensions of floods in Iran demonstrated the necessity and significance of the formation and management of a comprehensive system for flood control and management manuals.