Dust storms in Sistan-Baluchistan have raised the concentration of particles in the air to over 11 times the accepted level. Winds are blowing at 70 km per hour in Zabol and 50 km per hour in Zehak.
The head of Emergency Services for Sistan-Baluchistan Province reports that the dust storms have completely disrupted people’s daily lives in the region.
With dust particles at 1,770 micrograms per cubic metre, visibility has reportedly been decreased to 200 metres.
Sistan-Baluchistan meteorology reports indicate that the heavy winds will continue until next week, and people have been asked to remain indoors as much as possible.
Dust storms in Sistan-Baluchistan are a growing problem that has not been addressed in any meaningful way by the government. The head of Iran’s Department of the Environment has been quoted as saying that the government cannot make any promises regarding the dust problem and the public has to come to terms with this environmental catastrophe.
The World Health Organization has connected dust particles in the air to a higher incidence of strokes.
