A catastrophic winter storm has locked Eastern Kurdistan in a state of emergency, with record-shattering cold paralyzing Urmia province and blizzards severing hundreds of villages from all access and utilities in the Sina governorate. The crisis has forced the mobilization of national army units and the emergency requisition of private machinery as local authorities warn the situation may exceed their capacity to respond.

The Mahabad Meteorology Directorate confirmed an "unprecedented cold wave" has engulfed the region. Over the past 24 hours, the town of Takab in Urmia province plummeted to -17°C (-1.4°F), earning it the designation of the coldest location in all of Iran. Chaldiran followed closely at -15°C (5°F). The cold is accompanied by heavy snowfall, with Takab receiving 19mm of precipitation. Officials forecast continued extreme temperatures, with lows of around -12°C expected in the coming days.

The humanitarian situation is particularly acute in the Sina governorate (also known as Sanandaj). Governor Arash Zarehtan Lahoni announced that heavy snowfall and blizzards have blocked roads to 400 villages and cut off electricity to 300 villages. Telecommunications have failed for at least 91 communities, leaving residents trapped in freezing darkness without a means to call for help.

"The priority is rescuing those who are trapped on the roads and then repairing electricity, internet, and telephone lines," Governor Lahoni stated following a crisis management meeting. He outlined a phased response: first clearing main arteries, then village roads, before utility crews can begin repairs.

The severity of the situation has triggered a significant emergency response. Army forces are now actively cooperating with civil institutions, specifically conducting rescue missions on the treacherous Takab-Saqqez road where travelers remain stranded.

To boost snow-clearing capacity, Governor Lahoni invoked Article 15 of the Crisis Management Law, ordering all private-sector shovels and heavy machinery to be placed at the disposal of the state. He assured owners that the government would cover all associated costs, appealing for cooperation during this "special situation."

The storm's grip extends to the governorate's core. Sina Mayor Gharib Sajjadi reported that nearly all main roads into the city are closed, including the Salwatabad-Dehgolan and Mariwan-Sina routes. The Sina-Kamyaran road remains open but is described as extremely difficult, with closure likely imminent. Authorities have issued a stern public advisory against all non-essential travel.

With forecasts predicting no immediate relief, Governor Lahoni confirmed that if conditions persist, a formal request for assistance from neighboring governorates will be necessary. The region now faces a prolonged battle against the elements to restore contact and power to its cut-off communities and prevent further tragedy.