Dust storm sends dozens to hospitals in Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Kirkuk

NEWSROOM — A dust storm affecting parts of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region since Tuesday has led to health complaints in Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, and Kirkuk, with dozens seeking medical care due to respiratory issues.

In Sulaymaniyah, 12 people visited hospitals from Tuesday through 9 a.m. Wednesday due to symptoms caused by the dust storm, according to Saman Sheikh Latif, spokesperson for the Sulaymaniyah Health Directorate.

“After medical intervention, some of the patients recovered and were discharged,” Sheikh Latif said in a statement.

In Erbil, 41 individuals sought treatment for breathing difficulties, health officials said. After receiving care and health advice from medical staff, they were released.

Kirkuk has seen the highest number of reported cases so far, with 128 people hospitalized due to the storm, according to the Kirkuk Health Directorate.

Saman Yaba, spokesperson for the directorate, told 964media that medical teams were dispatched throughout the Kirkuk city center cand districts.

“Since Tuesday, Kirkuk has been affected by a dust storm,” Yaba said. “Medical teams were deployed to respond to citizens during emergencies.”

Hospitals have prepared special teams to treat patients quickly, he stated.

Iraq’s Meteorological Authority issued a weather report Tuesday stating that moderate winds from the west to northwest were expected at 20 to 30 kph, strengthening in the morning across western regions and gradually spreading north and central. The winds will bring a mild air mass, raising dust levels from moderate to heavy which is expected to persist until tomorrow.

Kirkuk has been affected several times by severe dust storms this year. In early April, hospitals across the governorate reported over 100 of emergency cases linked to respiratory issues caused by similar conditions.

Climate solutions can’t keep up with the damage we cause

What do you think?