In brief
Iraq faced its worst sandstorm of the year, leading to respiratory problems for thousands and flight cancellations. Experts link the storms to climate change impacts, including drought and desertification.
The skies over central and southern Iraq turned a striking orange as a severe sandstorm swept through the region. Spanning two days, the storm severely reduced visibility, with reports of it dropping to less than half a mile in some areas. Emergency rooms were inundated with over 3,700 cases of respiratory issues, as thousands sought medical attention due to the intense dust and poor air quality. Flights were halted at two major airports, and the usually crowded highways of Basra, Iraq's largest southern city, became eerily quiet as strong winds battered the area. The sandstorm's origins can be traced back to eastern Saudi Arabia, where dry desert conditions contributed to the dust before it spread across Iraq, compounded by additional particles from the arid southwestern region.While sandstorms are common in Iraq during winter and early spring, climate experts have indicated that such events are escalating in both frequency and intensity, attributed to longer droughts and increasing desertification in both Iraq and Syria. The storm marks the most severe weather event this year but follows a similarly impactful storm that struck Baghdad in December and numerous severe sandstorms experienced in 2022. The United Nations recognizes Iraq as the fifth most vulnerable nation to certain climate-related changes, including extreme temperatures and dwindling water resources.In the aftermath of the sandstorm, southern Iraq grappled with daily temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which were temporarily reduced due to the storm's cloud cover. Health officials reported that over 1,000 cases of respiratory issues emerged from Basra alone, and the city’s police department even issued safety advice for families, particularly for parents with young children, to help them cope with the anxiety caused by the storm's noise.Emergency workers donned masks for protection, while many residents wrapped cloths around their mouths as the persistent dust infiltrated nearly every home and vehicle, making normal activities and work nearly impossible. Fortunately, most individuals treated for respiratory problems have since been released, yet the impacts of climate change linger on this vulnerable region.
