In brief
Central and southern Iraq have been hit by a severe sandstorm that turned the sky orange, grounded flights, and sent thousands to hospitals with respiratory issues. Experts attribute the worsening frequency and intensity of these storms to climate change, drought, and desertification.
A catastrophic sandstorm swept through central and southern Iraq over the last two days, resulting in an eerie orange hue in the sky, drastically reduced visibility, and sending thousands of residents to emergency rooms with respiratory issues. Flights were suspended at two airports due to poor visibility, while the usually bustling streets of Basra, the largest city in southern Iraq, were nearly deserted as high winds whipped through palm trees and electrical lines.Amir al-Jabri, spokesperson for Iraq’s meteorology department, stated that the “heavy waves of dust” originated from desert regions in eastern Saudi Arabia, gathering additional particulate matter across the arid southern regions of Iraq. Though sandstorms have been prevalent during winter and early spring in Iraq, climate experts note that these phenomena are becoming increasingly frequent and intense as Iraq, along with neighboring Syria, endures elongated droughts and expanding desertification.This sandstorm has been described as the worst of 2025 so far; however, previous storms have significantly impacted the region, including a violent storm that paralyzed Baghdad in December and several others in 2022. The United Nations ranks Iraq as the fifth most vulnerable nation regarding climate change effects, particularly due to extreme heat and dwindling water availability.As the storm dissipated on Tuesday, temperatures in southern Iraq had previously soared above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, exacerbated by the overwhelming dust that obscured the sun, leading to a temporary drop in temperature. During the height of the storm, many individuals equipped themselves with face masks for protection, especially emergency responders who remained active outdoors, while others covered their mouths with cloth to minimize inhalation of dust particles.The pervasive dust infiltrated homes and vehicles, settling in every crevice and covering surfaces, rendering daily tasks, including computer work, nearly impossible. According to Iraq’s health ministry spokesman, Saif al-Badr, emergency rooms across southern Iraq reported nearly 3,747 respiratory cases related to the storm, with over 1,000 recorded in Basra alone and a significant number in Najaf. Residents of Muthanna Province, which shares a border with Saudi Arabia, were also heavily impacted.In an effort to assist families during the chaotic storm, the Basra police department issued guidelines, urging parents to explain the storm's frightening noises to young children to help them sleep more soundly. The escalating severity and frequency of these sandstorms illustrate the pressing need for comprehensive climate action as Iraq battles the relentless challenges of climate change.
