TEHRAN (Ruptly) — Tehran’s suburbs are sinking due to land subsidence caused by falling groundwater levels, according to scientists at the country’s Building & Housing Research Centre. High water usage and outdated irrigation methods are partially behind the phenomenon, say the scientists.

“In the southwest of Tehran, the annual rate of this subsidence is approximately 24 cm”, said Dr. Ali Beitollahi, a member of the scientific board of Building & Housing Research Centre (BHRC).