More than a thousand people in Iraq experienced respiratory problems due to a sandstorm. Airports in two regions were closed, reducing visibility to less than 1 kilometer. It was announced that over a thousand people experienced respiratory problems due to the sandstorm affecting the central and southern regions of Iraq. A health official in Mutenna city stated that at least a thousand cases of “choking” were reported. Images from Iraq showed a dense orange haze affecting the city. Local media reported power outages in some areas due to the sandstorm, with flights being delayed in others. While sandstorms are a common occurrence in Iraq, it is believed that the frequency of such weather events has increased recently due to climate change. During the recent sandstorm, pedestrians and police officers in Iraqi streets were seen wearing masks to protect themselves from airborne sand and particles. Health teams were on duty to assist those struggling to breathe. According to a local health official in Mutenna cited by BBC, at least “700 cases of choking” were recorded, with over 250 people hospitalized in Necef and at least 322 seeking medical attention in Divaniye, including children. In Dikar and Basra, 530 individuals reported difficulty breathing. The visibility in southern regions of the country dropped to less than 1 kilometer due to the sandstorm and the accompanying “orange cloud.” Officials were forced to close airports in Necef and Basra. According to local weather services, conditions are expected to improve by tomorrow morning.