2022 Iraq dust storms
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Date | 2022 |
|---|---|
| Location | Iraq |
| Type | dust storms |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 5000 |
In 2022, many dust storms have hit Iraq (which had already reached countries bordering Iraq).[1] One person died and 5,000 people were admitted to hospital.[2] Flights from Baghdad and Najaf were grounded.[3][4]
Orange skies and reduced visibility has become increasingly common in the country.[5] Iraq's meteorological office says that the weather phenomenon is expected to become increasingly common "due to drought, desertification and declining rainfall".[6] 23 May 2022, another sandstorm affected parts of Iraq, Syria and Iran.[7]
During the month of April of the year, Iraq recorded 7 sandstorms that ranged from severe to moderate, some of which led to a near-total disruption of life in the capital, Baghdad, and a number of areas, especially the western ones.[8]
Experts confirmed that there are chances of dust storms rising again on the third day of Eid al-Fitr for the year 1443 AH 2022 AD, which sparked controversy and some sources stated that it had “spoiled the joy of the Iraqis.”[9]
When the sandstorm returned on May 16, 2022, it sparked controversy for fear that it would reach Jordan. Many sources, including the Arab Weather website, stated that the sandstorm would not reach Jordan, and would not have any impact on Jordan in any way.[10]
The poor and low-income people in Iraq are considered the most vulnerable to sandstorms. These sandstorms have generally brought the country to a standstill, and they are forced to work in bad weather conditions and state warnings against going out in search of their daily sustenance.[11]
These storms have increased for several reasons, including climate change in Iraq, as Iraq is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change and desertification due to increasing drought, with temperatures exceeding fifty degrees Celsius in the summer.[12]
The lack of rainfall led to severe drought, which reduced the vegetation cover, especially in open areas, extending to countries bordering Iraq.[13] Which requires effort with neighboring countries to combat them and reduce these problems.[14]
It may be solved by providing a water source in dusty areas in order to grow natural plants in those areas, in addition to developing biological or nano materials that work to stabilize the soil in it.