Bagdhad And Other Iraq Cities Struck By Major Sandstorm

 BAGHDAD, Iraq — On Monday, a sandstorm covered sections of the Middle East, including Iraq, Syria, and Iran, forcing many to seek medical attention and halting flights in certain areas. 

It was the latest in a string of practically back-to-back sandstorms this year, which have perplexed people and alarmed scientists and officials, who blame climate change and lax government restrictions.

Bright orange skies and a thick mist of grit greeted travelers from Riyadh to Tehran on Monday, signaling yet another stormy day. Sandstorms are common in late spring and early summer, and they are fueled by seasonal winds. However, since March, they have occurred practically every week in Iraq.

Iraqi officials designated the day a national holiday, advising government employees and civilians to stay at home in advance of the country's tenth storm in the last two months. According to a statement, the Health Ministry stocked up on oxygen canisters at facilities in hard-hit districts.

Thousands of people have been rushed to hospitals as a result of the storms, which have claimed at least one life in Iraq and three in Syria's east.

Because of the dust, Kuwait International Airport canceled all flights for the second time this month on Monday. The video depicted mostly deserted streets with low visibility.

Iran's capital, Tehran, closed schools and government offices last week due to a sandstorm that blanketed the country. It was particularly severe in the country's southwest desert area of Khuzestan, where over 800 individuals sought medical help for breathing problems. Hundreds of flights from western Iran have been canceled or rescheduled.

Climate change, drought, and government mismanagement of water resources have all been blamed for the dust storms and heavy air pollution, according to a prominent environmental expert who told local media that the increase in sandstorms is due to climate change, drought, and government mismanagement of water resources. Iran has drained its marshes for farming, which is a common technique in the region that produces dust.

According to Jotheri, the geoarchaeologist, desertification, compounded by record-low rainfall, is increasing the intensity of storms in Iraq. The impact is almost doubled in a low-lying country with many arid regions.