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Helicopter Crash Ruins Perfectly Good Weather Alert

Meteorologists expressed frustration over officials ignoring warnings before a helicopter crash, prompting a review of weather advisory protocols.

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— 1 min read
Helicopter flying over mountainous terrain with emergency vehicles and watchtower visible below
The image depicts a dramatic scene in a mountainous region. A white and blue helicopter is in flight against a backdrop of hills. Below, emergency vehicles including an ambulance are parked. A watchtower is visible, indicating a possible border or security checkpoint. The overcast sky adds to the tense atmosphere, suggesting a critical situation or rescue mission in progress.
Image: Mehr News Agency

Meteorologists Express Frustration as Officials Disregard Orange Warning

VARZAQAN — A Bell 212 helicopter crashed in dense fog and heavy rain in East Azerbaijan, amid a severe weather situation despite the Iran Meteorological Organization issuing an orange weather warning.

"Here we are, issuing warnings and predicting severe weather with cutting-edge technology, and what thanks do we get? A high-profile helicopter crash," Behrouz Mansouri, a spokesperson for the meteorological team, voiced his frustration at a press conference.

The helicopter, which was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi along with top officials, had taken off from the Khoda Afarim hydroelectric station along the border between Iran and Azerbaijan under ominous skies, flagrantly disregarding the weather alert.

Witnesses near the crash site reported near-zero visibility, affected by the thick fog and relentless rain. "It's astonishing how clear warnings were set aside, leading to this disaster. It's like they see warnings only as background noise until something drastic happens," an onlooker said.

The search and rescue efforts were hampered by the inclement weather. "Navigating through the fog felt like moving through a curtain that refused to lift, making the operation costlier and even more challenging," noted a rescue worker who chose to stay anonymous.

At the conference, another high-ranking official attempted to downplay the severity of the crash. "It’s a minor setback," he said, as drone footage of the smoldering wreckage in the Dizmar Forest region played in the background. "But we must view this as a reminder of the importance of heeding weather advisories, rather than just a minor interruption."

The crash spurred a wave of criticism on social media, with users pointing out the disregard for meteorological advice, while others shared maps suggesting recommended crash sites that would have been less disruptive.

In response, the government said it is forming a commission to investigate the crash. It will also consider measures that enforce stricter adherence to weather guidance. This includes more compelling alert systems or automatic grounding protocols during severe weather conditions. ■

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