Iraq Dust Causing Trouble, Sends Over 1000 to Hospital

Iraq has been prone to climate change for the past few years, with temperatures breaking records and low rainfall increasing people's worries. A sandstorm has intensified in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriya in Dhi Qar province, and more than 1000 people have rushed to hospitals following respiratory ailments.

Six of Iraq's 18 provinces have been hit by sandstorms, including Baghdad and the western region of Anbar.

According to news reports, authorities in Kirkuk and Anbar provinces asked people to stay indoors.

Anas Qais, a health official, said more than 700 patients with breathing problems visited hospitals in Anbar province.

Salaheddin, a central province, reported over 300 cases. Meanwhile, Diwaniya and Najaf provinces each logged about 100 cases.

Iraq has been particularly vulnerable to climate change for the past few years. According to experts, these factors will bring social and economic disasters.

The World Bank said Iraq would face a 20 per cent reduction in water resources by 2050 due to climate change. Additionally, government officials in Iraq warned of 272 days of dust a year in the coming decades.

The environment ministry said climate change would plummet as we increase vegetation cover and create forests.

Source: Aljazeera