Dust storm disrupts life in southeastern Iran, sending over 700 people to hospitals

People try to cool off with cold beverages and water on a calm day during the two-day holiday over extreme heat in Tehran, Iran on August 02, 2023. [Fatemeh Bahrami – Anadolu Agency]

A sand and dust storm in Iran’s southeastern region disrupted daily life, sending 733 people to hospitals to seek medical attention, Anadolu reports.

“Due to the storm, 733 people from the cities of Zabul, Zehek, Hamun, Hirmend, and Nimruz in the northern part of Sistan-Baluchestan province sought medical attention at hospitals within three days. Among these individuals, 58 were hospitalized and treated,” Sistan-Baluchestan Emergency Director Mecid Muhibbi told Iran’s official news agency IRNA.

Sistan-Baluchestan Meteorology Director Muhsin Haydari explained that due to increased airborne dust levels, visibility dropped to three kilometers (1.9 miles) in Zabul and two kilometers (1.3 miles) in Zehek.

In a written statement, the Sistan-Baluchestan Governorate announced that government institutions and banks were closed today in the cities of Zabul, Zehek, Hamun, Hirmend, and Nimruz due to the sand and dust storm.

Last month, hundreds of people were hospitalized in Sistan-Baluchestan province due to a sandstorm.

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