A powerful sandstorm swept across central and southern Iraq on Monday, hospitalising more than 1,800 people with breathing problems and grounding flights in several provinces. Health officials described the event as the largest storm of the year blanketing entire regions in an orange haze and reducing visibility to less than one kilometre.
Hospitals were overwhelmed across multiple provinces. Muthanna reported over 700 cases of suffocation, while Najaf saw more than 250 hospital admissions In Diwaniyah, at least 322 people, including children sought medical help for respiratory distress, local authorities told. Additional cases were reported in Dhi Qar and Basra taking the total tally past 1,800.
Emergency teams were seen administering oxygen to patients inside ambulances while police and civilians resorted to face masks to protect themselves from the thick dust suspended in the air.
The storm also disrupted travel with airports in Najaf and Basra temporarily closed due to low visibility. Weather services indicated that conditions were expected to improve by the morning of April 15, 2025.
While dust storms are not unusual in Iraq officials warn they are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. The Iraqi Environment Ministry has cautioned that the country may face more frequent “dust days” in the future.
Ranked by the United Nations among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change Iraq faces rising temperatures, worsening sandstorms and water scarcity. A similar storm in 2022 left one dead and over 5,000 needing treatment for respiratory issues.
As Iraq grapples with recurring environmental crises, experts stress the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies and sustainable land management to mitigate future impacts.