More than 1.800 people went to hospitals on Monday complaining of respiratory problems due to a severe sandstorm that hit the central and southern parts of the country, Iraqi health authorities said, highlighting the increasing negative effects of climate change in Iraq.
Airports Closed, Visibility Reduced
Authorities announced the temporary closure of airports in the southern provinces of Najaf and Basra due to what is being described as the worst sandstorm of the year, with an eerie orange dust cloud drastically reducing visibility and disrupting life.
Effects of Climate Change
The United Nations says Iraq is one of the five countries most affected by some of the effects of climate change, with scorching summer temperatures and regular sandstorms. This latest sandstorm is seen as an indication of the country's struggle with these harsh climate conditions.
Density in Hospitals
According to local health officials, hospitals were overwhelmed in the areas most affected by the storm:
- Muthanna: Local health official Mazen Al-Egeili said at least “700 drowning cases” had arrived in the provincial hospitals.
- Najaf: More than 250 people in the province were hospitalized with respiratory problems, according to the provincial health directorate.
- Divaniye: Provincial health directorate media officer Amer Al-Kinani reported that at least 322 patients, including children, applied to hospitals.
- Dhi Qar and Basra: It was stated that more than 530 people applied to hospitals with similar complaints in these provinces.
Storm Course and Warnings
Meteorological officials said the sandstorm had reduced visibility to less than one kilometre, but it was expected to gradually fade away by Tuesday morning.
Similar Past Events and Future Concerns
A severe sandstorm in Iraq in 2022 had similar consequences, killing one person and sending more than 5.000 people to hospital for respiratory illnesses. The environment ministry is warning that the country could experience an increasing number of “dust days” in the coming years, highlighting the need for Iraq to take more comprehensive measures to combat the effects of climate change.
