Thick smoke from garbage fire forces evacuations in Hilla and surrounding areas

BABYLON – Thick clouds of smoke covered the sky over Hilla, the capital city of Babylon, and nearby areas including Barnun and Qureish, after waste pickers set fire to a garbage dump near Barnun, close to the historical ruins. The fire forced many residents, especially families with children and the elderly, to evacuate and seek refuge in other areas.

“The smoke covered the skies over the city and surrounding areas like Qureish, Brnun, and Sayahiya, because of the large fire started by the waste pickers,” said Issa al-Attawani, a resident of Qureish, in an interview with 964media. “Most families with children and the elderly had to evacuate and stay with relatives in other areas.”

Residents have repeatedly called for stronger government action to address the ongoing waste crisis and establish proper landfill sites. Al-Attawani expressed frustration over the recurring problem, citing a lack of permanent solutions.

In many Iraqi cities, the lack of modern waste management systems has led to garbage being accumulated and often burned, creating health risks and unsightly landscapes. Despite growing awareness of the issue, calls for more effective waste management have gone largely unanswered.

Several residents of the Barnun area were treated for breathing difficulties at Hilla Surgical Hospital after exposure to the heavy smoke. Local police have dispatched a team to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Ahmed Jaber, Director of Hilla Municipality, explained that the waste site falls outside his municipality’s jurisdiction and is managed by the al-Mahawil Municipality. “Despite the location being beyond our limits, we still sent equipment to help control the smoke,” Jaber told 964media.