Scores Seek Medical Help after Dust Storm in Baluchistan

More than 2,200 people sought medical help for respiratory, cardiac and ocular issues caused by a dust storm in the north of the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchistan.

According to a September 24 statement from the Crisis Management Office of Sistan and Baluchistan Governorate, as many as 2,278 individuals sought medical assistance in hospitals and other healthcare settings in the cities of Zabul, Zahak, Hamon, Hirmand and Nimroz. 

At least 136 people remain under medical care.

The dust storm also caused accidents on the roads which resulted in at least three fatalities, and led the authorities to close schools and offices in the cities north of the province on September 23.

The strong summer wind occurring from May to September in the east and southeast of the Iranian Plateau, is spreading fine dust particles across kilometers, creating serious environmental hazards and adverse consequences on agriculture, industry and people's daily life in Sistan and Baluchistan.

The problem has been exacerbated by the drying-up of the Hamon wetland.