Dramatic 'blood rain' turned Hormuz Island's coastal waters red after torrential downpours. Photo / Getty Images
Dramatic 'blood rain' turned Hormuz Island's coastal waters red after torrential downpours. Photo / Getty Images
Dramatic “blood rain” transformed an Iranian island’s coastal waters into a sea of red overnight after the region was hit by torrential downpours.
The rare spectacle on Hormuz Island was captured on video, showing fast-flowing rainwater washing iron-rich red soil from the island’s distinctive cliffs into the sea.
It cameafter around 100mm of rainfall – five times Iran’s monthly average – hit the region overnight following the country’s worst drought in half a century.
The deluge rapidly turned both the water and sandy beaches an intense blood-red colour along stretches of the island’s famous Red Beach.
The natural phenomenon has captivated social media users worldwide, with some drawing comparisons to biblical prophecies.
One user suggested it could be a sign of “end times” and another added it was a hint “endless sorrows” would come to an end. Another said: “It looks biblical.”
Scientists say it is caused by the island’s high concentrations of iron oxide, which produces the intense red colour when mixed with rainwater.
“Good thing people today are smart enough to know the science and ignore the superstitions,” one social media user said.
The phenomenon was caused by iron-rich soil mixing with rainwater, captivating social media users. Photo / Middle East Images via AFP
Hormuz Island, strategically located in the Strait of Hormuz, has long been known for its colourful terrain and crimson-coloured beaches, earning it the nickname “Rainbow Island”.
At sunrise and sunset, the colours intensify, transforming the island into what photographers describe as one of the Middle East’s most photogenic destinations.
In other parts of Hormozgan province, which administers the island, several roads were closed off after heavy flooding.
Across other Iranian cities, people took to the streets to celebrate the rainfall following months-long water rationing by the Government.
Rainfall across the country has decreased by about 89% this year compared with the long-term average, according to official estimates.
Since the turn of the millennium, multiple Iranian scientists have warned about climate change-induced droughts and Iran’s ever-increasing water use.
Reservoirs that feed the population in Tehran have long been considered to be in a worrying state, with well water levels dropping well below 10%.
Last month, the water level was so low, that there were concerns the capital city, home to 10 million, may need to be evacuated.
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