Rains Turn Iran’s Hormuz ‘Red Beach’ Coastline Crimson in Striking Natural Event

Overview

• Heavy rainfall on Dec. 16–17 carried iron-oxide-rich soils into runoff that stained nearshore waters red, according to AP and multiple reports.
• Experts identify hematite in the island’s mineral-laden terrain as the source of the coloration, a well-known process on the salt-dome island.
• The visual effect is temporary and assessed as harmless to people, fading as suspended particles settle or disperse.
• Social media videos drew wide attention, though some viral clips could not be verified and may include footage from earlier events.
• Locally known as gelak, the red soil is used in pigments and cosmetics, and the rains followed an unusually dry season that also caused localized flooding in Hormozgan.