Dust Storm in SE Iran Sends over 1,600 People to Hospital
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – At least three people died and 1632 individuals went to the hospital after a dust storm swept through the northern part of Sistan and Balouchestan Province, southeast Iran, according to the director of the Crisis Management Office of the province.
"Following the occurrence of a dust storm in the Sistan region, located in the northern part of Sistan and Balouchestan Province, from September 19 until Saturday morning, 1632 individuals have visited healthcare centers and hospitals, and three individuals have also tragically lost their lives due to reduced visibility and traffic accidents," Majid Mohebi stated, speaking to the Tasnim News Agency in Zahedan.
"Out of this number, 111 individuals were hospitalized, while the remainder were discharged after receiving basic medical services. Respiratory, cardiac, and ophthalmic issues have been the major concerns among the population during this period," Mohebi added.
"All emergency and service teams are on standby along the transportation routes of the Sistan region, ready to provide assistance to the citizens if necessary," Mohabbi emphasized in light of the ongoing crisis.
Despite the start of the school year on Saturday, September 23, schools in five counties in the Sistan region remain closed due to a warning issued by the Meteorological Organization and the Crisis Management Department of Sistan and Balouchestan Province.
Government offices and banks in counties such as Zabol, Zahak, Hamun, Hirmand, and Nimruz were also closed due to the weather. Officials have established that this shutdown does not apply to emergency, medical, or service organizations.
Meanwhile, the Zabol airport announced that today's flights have been canceled due to the dust storm and reduced visibility.
The Director of Meteorology for Sistan and Balouchestan Province Mohsen Heydari, issued a stark warning regarding the severe weather conditions in the region. "Strong winds, reaching a maximum of 108 kilometers per hour, swept through Zabol this morning, reducing horizontal visibility to 800 meters at the airport weather station due to the resulting dust storm," Heydari reported.
"Additionally, in the Zahak County, the maximum wind speed reached 50 kilometers per hour, reducing horizontal visibility at the weather station to 800 meters," he added.
"As per the Orange warning level issued, we anticipate strong to extremely strong winds, along with a dust storm and turbulence in the Sistan region. This includes the five counties of Zabol, Zahak, Hamun, Hirmand, and Nimruz, all situated in the northern part of the province. These conditions are expected to persist until Tuesday," Heydari continued.
Highlighting the potential impact beyond the immediate region, Heydari noted, "Furthermore, relatively strong to strong winds are expected in the eastern and western parts of the province, and considering the direction of the air currents, there is a possibility of the transfer of dust particles to central and southern areas."
In light of the hazardous conditions, Heydari offered crucial advice to the public, saying, "It is recommended to avoid unnecessary travel, especially for respiratory patients, the elderly, and children, during dusty conditions. Caution in road traffic and refraining from passing near under-construction or old buildings due to the potential risk of further collapse are important recommendations to the public."
