Challenges of pre-disaster management in Iran: Are organizations prepared to respond to freshwater oil spills?

Oil spill in freshwater is one of the major threats to human health and environmental stability; protection of water resources based on pre-determined plans could prevent the occurrence of such a disaster. The aim of this study was to determine the challenges of pre-disaster management of oil spill incidents. This was a qualitative case study conducted in 2015 in Isfahan, Iran, on an oil spill incident and its roots based on a disaster management approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted for data collection. Nineteen managers and staff members from among those responsible or involved in the management of the Isfahan oil spill incident were recruited to the study. Qualitative content analysis approach was employed for data analysis. Document analysis was used to collect additional information. “Weaknesses of risk reduction programs” and “weaknesses of preparedness plans” were identified as the roots of the disaster. Preparedness is a crucial aspect of timely and appropriate response to oil spill incidents.