Iraq’s Skies Turn Orange as Sandstorm Sweeps the Nation, Thousands Seek Help

A severe sandstorm has engulfed central and southern Iraq over the past two days, transforming the sky into an eerie orange and reportedly sending 3,747 individuals to emergency rooms due to respiratory issues. Visibility in some areas dropped to under half a mile, forcing two major airports to suspend operations. Streets in Basra, Iraq’s largest city, were eerily vacant as strong winds whipped through, causing chaos in everyday life.

According to Amir al-Jabri, spokesman for Iraq’s meteorology department, this storm was fueled by dust originating in eastern Saudi Arabia and exacerbated by additional particles from southwestern Iraq. Climate experts note that while sandstorms are a typical feature of Iraq’s winter and spring, they are becoming more frequent and intense due to prolonged droughts and desertification impacting formerly fertile regions.

Although the storm lessened on Tuesday, it coincided with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In response, many donned masks for protection, particularly those working outdoors, while dust infiltrated homes and vehicles, creating challenging conditions for daily activities.

Iraq ranks as the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, facing extreme temperature variations and dwindling water supplies. As communities cope, authorities have provided guidelines to help families navigate these ominous conditions, emphasizing the importance of calm, especially for children.