Western Cities on High Alert as Dust Storms Spread

Government authorities ordered the closure of schools, universities and government buildings in Khuzestan and Western Azarbaijan on February 8 and 9, as dangerous levels of dust particles continued to hover over Iran’s entire western region.

Pollution levels caused by dust were said to be 35 times higher than what is considered healthy. In Ahvaz, Khuzestan, southwestern Iran, city officials distributed masks to residents. The poor quality is the result of dust clouds moving across the region combined with pollutants from sugar plantations and other industries. Locals also say the depletion of marshlands has further compromised the quality of air.

The University of Medical Sciences of Western Azarbaijan, northwestern Iran, urged people suffering from respiratory and cardiac illnesses, as well as children and people over the age of 55, not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. The Ministry of Education’s public affairs office announced the closure of all primary schools in Bukan and Piranshahr and districts one and two in Urmia on February 9, as well as all primary and secondary schools in Mahabad. In addition to high pollution levels, there were reports of thick haze and high levels of dust particles in the air.

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), Khuzestan’s deputy governor announced the closure of schools in Ahwaz, Karun, Bavi, Hamidieh, Dashte Azadegan, Hoveyzeh, Mahshahr Port, Susa, Abadan and Khoramshahr.

There were also reports that dust storms had affected cities in Eastern Azarbaijan, and the office of Management Crisis in the province announced the closure of schools in Tabriz on February 9.  

Read the original article in Persian