A severe sandstorm swept through Iraq on Monday, blanketing several central and southern regions in dense orange dust and triggering widespread health and travel disruptions.
According to local authorities, the storm caused visibility levels to drop below one kilometre in many areas, significantly hampering movement. The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported that at least 3,747 individuals sought medical care for respiratory problems, with Basra province recording over 1,000 of the cases.
Operations at airports in Basra and Najaf were temporarily halted due to the poor visibility and hazardous flying conditions. Flights resumed early Tuesday as the storm began to subside.
Images from Basra depicted streets shrouded in dust, with residents donning face masks as they cautiously navigated through the low-visibility conditions. Najaf experienced similar scenes.
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While sandstorms are a recurring phenomenon in Iraq, particularly during the spring, environmental experts warn they are becoming more frequent and intense—largely driven by the effects of climate change and worsening land degradation.
The Iraqi Ministry of Environment has cautioned that the number of “dust days” is expected to rise in the coming years. A similar storm in 2022 resulted in one death and over 5,000 hospital admissions.
Health officials continue to advise vulnerable individuals, especially those with respiratory conditions, to stay indoors and wear protective masks if outdoor activity is unavoidable.