A huge sandstorm rolled through Iraq, covering cities in a thick layer of orange dust and admitting more than 3,700 individuals to hospitals suffering from respiratory complications. The storm, among the worst in recent history, paralyzed normal life and posed serious health and environmental issues.
Baghdad, Najaf, and other major Iraqi cities’ hospitals were overwhelmed as citizens, particularly children and the elderly, reported breathing problems, asthma attacks, and irritation of their eyes. Iraq’s health ministry has urged citizens to stay indoors and wear face masks.
The sandstorm made visibility very poor, forcing flights to be grounded and transport to be suspended throughout key regions. Schools and government institutions were briefly shut as the country fought to deal with the effects.
Experts attribute the growing frequency of these sandstorms to climate change, desertification, and water mismanagement, and they are urging immediate environmental reforms to avert future catastrophes.
