Over a thousand reported respiratory problems as the country struggles with increasing sandstorms linked to climate change.
Iraq's Recent Sandstorm Causes Respiratory Emergency

Iraq's Recent Sandstorm Causes Respiratory Emergency
Severe dust storm engulfs southern Iraq, causing health crises and visibility issues.
A significant dust storm has swept through central and southern Iraq, engulfing the region in an orange haze and leaving more than a thousand individuals with respiratory ailments, according to health officials. The province of Muthanna alone reported approximately 700 cases of suffocation, as indicated by local health authorities communicating with AFP.
The storm coated cities in a dense layer of dust, prompting widespread media coverage highlighting the poor visibility and power outages affecting multiple regions. The local populace was also compelled to use face masks as a precaution, while paramedics set up assistance stations for those struggling to breathe. Hospital reports show over 250 patients in Najaf province received treatment, while an additional 322 were admitted in Diwaniyah province. Dhi Qar and Basra provinces reported around 530 individuals experiencing respiratory issues.
Visibility levels plummeted to less than a kilometer due to the thick orange fog, which significantly disrupted transportation operations, including mandatory airport closures in Najaf and Basra provinces. Weather forecasts suggest that conditions should slowly improve by Tuesday morning.
Iraq's vulnerability to climate change, compounded by recurrent sandstorms, has garnered attention from international observers, noting the country as one of the top five nations at risk. These serious climatic challenges lead to frequent dust storms and intensifying heatwaves, coupled with a growing water scarcity problem. A particularly severe sandstorm in 2022 resulted in one fatality and over 5,000 individuals requiring medical treatment for respiratory issues, drawing attention to Iraq's environmental concerns. The Iraqi environment ministry has warned citizens to brace for even more "dust days" in the foreseeable future.