The Joy And Despair of Winter in Tabriz

Iranian official media have published captivating reports and images depicting idyllic winter scenes in the northwestern city of Tabriz. 

Across various platforms, enchanting photos showcased the charm of youth joyfully trudging in the snow, couples sharing smiles, and trees covered in a white blanket. 

Yet, the enchantment captured in these visuals swiftly turned into a stark reality: Tabriz residents faced a critical situation, in part due to the inadequacy and inefficiency of the city authorities'  management. 

Streets became impassable, with drivers being trapped in their vehicles for several hours amid the biting cold. 

The emergency service spokesperson in East Azerbaijan province delivered distressing news: an eight-year-old child died in a wolf attack. 

According to the spokesman, Vahid Shadinia, the wild animal fatally beat the child's throat, inflicting fatal injuries on the victim. 

Footage of cars stranded on snow-covered streets has also surfaced. 

After Tabriz experienced relatively low levels of snowfalls in the past years, residents took to the streets only to encounter numerous challenges in reaching their destinations. 

One resident told IranWire that the municipality, in an unprecedented move, had decided to stop spreading salt on the streets during winter. 

"This decision, conveyed through large banners, aimed to address the damage caused to the asphalt, which developed holes and deteriorated rapidly when the snow melted," he said. 

Traditionally, a mix of sand and salt was spread on roads during winter to prevent freezing. 

However, technological advancements and the deployment of small snow plows have rendered this method obsolete in many areas. 

Another Tabriz resident expressed concern over the city's management. 

"With minimal rainfall and a new wave of snowfall, it became evident that the city's management was lacking, characterized by a perceived lack of diligence and efficiency," she said. 

According to her, the municipality and relevant institutions failed to implement measures that should have been in place to help residents during times of crisis. 

She said there was a dearth of assistance for stranded people, with only a few traffic officers attempting to clear the streets.