Dust storm sends nearly 30 to hospitals across Sulaymaniyah governorate

SULAYMANIYAH — A severe dust storm sweeping through parts of the Kurdistan Region since Monday evening has led to a surge in respiratory-related hospital visits, with nearly 30 people receiving treatment in Sulaymaniyah, Rania, and Qaladze, health officials said Tuesday.

The Sulaymaniyah Health Directorate reported that 15 residents sought medical attention between Monday night and Tuesday afternoon due to breathing difficulties linked to the storm. All were treated and discharged.

In Qaladze, six people—three men and three women—were admitted to the local hospital for symptoms caused by dust exposure. “They all received medical treatment and have since returned home,” Dr. Azad Ahmed, director of Qaladze Hospital, told 964media.

Rania reported eight patients suffering from respiratory issues, according to Hazhar Omar, head of the emergency department at the city’s hospital. Six of those patients were released, while two remain under medical observation.

The storm has blanketed wide areas across the Kurdistan Region and other parts of Iraq, reducing visibility and prompting health warnings.

A similar storm in May triggered dozens of hospital visits across the region. At the time, Sulaymaniyah reported 12 respiratory cases, Erbil recorded 41, and Kirkuk reported the highest number, with 128 people hospitalized.