A severe sandstorm has swept across various provinces of Iraq, including the capital Baghdad. At least 3,747 people have been hospitalized due to the storm.
Saif Al-Badr, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Health, confirmed this information to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA). He stated, "Yesterday, Tuesday, a sandstorm occurred in Baghdad and several other provinces.
At least 3,747 people were admitted to hospitals for treatment due to illnesses caused by the storm. All the patients admitted to hospitals were suffering from respiratory problems."
Saif Al-Badr reported that the highest number of patients was in Baghdad and the southern city of Al-Muthanna.
In Baghdad, 1,014 people, and in Al-Muthanna, 874 people were hospitalized for treatment due to illnesses caused by Tuesday's sandstorm. The remaining patients were from other regions.
A small fraction of these patients admitted to hospitals arrived in critical condition and are receiving advanced medical care. The rest were given primary treatment and have been discharged. Saif stated that no deaths occurred in Iraq due to Tuesday's storm.
"Those who have been hospitalized in serious condition will receive the best possible treatment. We have no shortage of medicine, medical supplies, or oxygen," the Ministry of Health spokesperson told INA.
Sandstorms are not uncommon in Iraq; however, environmental scientists believe that the frequency of sandstorms in this Middle Eastern country has increased in recent years due to the effects of climate change.
According to the United Nations, Iraq ranks fifth among the countries most vulnerable to climate change worldwide.
(Source: Anadolu Agency)
