A sandstorm in central and southern Iraq sent over 1,800 people to hospitals with respiratory issues on Monday, according to health officials.

Authorities closed the airports in Najaf and Basra due to the sandstorm, which was the largest one this year, causing low visibility in an orange haze.

Iraq is among the top five countries impacted by some effects of climate change, as stated by the United Nations, and regularly experiences intense sandstorms.

Hospitals in Muthanna province received around 700 cases of suffocation, as confirmed by local health official Mazen al-Egeili.

In Najaf province, over 250 individuals were hospitalized, according to the health directorate.

In Najaf, an AFP photographer observed people with face masks trying to protect themselves from the dusty air, with one young man needing assistance inside an ambulance.

Around 322 patients, including children, sought medical help in Diwaniyah province, reported Amer al-Kinani, the provincial health department’s media officer.

In Dhi Qar and Basra provinces, more than 530 people experienced breathing difficulties, according to local reports.

The sandstorm severely reduced visibility to less than one kilometer, but conditions are expected to improve by Tuesday morning, according to weather services.

In 2022, one person died in Iraq, and over 5,000 sought medical attention for respiratory issues during a heavy sandstorm.

The environment ministry has warned that Iraq can anticipate an increase in the number of “dust days” in the coming years.

© 2025 AFP