The damage cost of dust storms on roads in the Sistan region during 2017-2019

Dust storms are natural hazards that cause economic and social damage in the Sistan region. Because the investigation of the impacts of dust storms in all aspects is difficult, in this study a part of the impacts of dust storms was assessed and assessment was limited to extent of damage to roads for the period 2017-2019. The damages cost of dust storms on roads includes damages to the road surface asphalt, signposts, and road maintenance. For estimation of damage cost and obtaining the required information, a series of tables were provided and completed by Road Maintenance and Transportation organizations of Zabol, Zahak, and Hirman. Analyzing dust storms was carried out through recorded wind speed and visibility data at Zabol meteorological station. The results showed that dust storms impacted the signposts and damaged the road surface for which their maintenance and repairmen cost increased. A good agreement was found between the monthly and annual frequency of dust storms and accumulated sediment. The greatest amount of accumulated sediment on the road was observed during the first half of the year, in June and 2018 according to the highest frequency of dust storms. The total damage cost of dust storms on road was obtained about 32.5 milliard Tomans for the period 2017-2019.