2023-09-22 20:42:00
Tehran, Iran | At least three people died and more than 1,300 sought medical assistance after a dust storm passed through the Sistan Balochistan province in southeastern Iran, state media reported on Friday.
These types of storms have become more frequent in recent years in southern Iran as wetlands are drying out at an increasingly alarming rate.
The official Irna news agency quoted the province’s crisis management chief, Majid Mohebi, as saying three people “died in accidents caused by reduced visibility” this week.
In the last three days “1,346 people (…) have sought medical assistance in hospitals and medical centers,” Mohebi added.
He said the most common problems were respiratory, heart and eye conditions.
According to the regional meteorological center, strong winds and sand storms will continue for several days.
Dust and sand storms have always affected the Middle East, but they have become more intense and frequent in recent years.
Iran, with a population of more than 85 million people, is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change and rising temperatures.
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