Kirkuk: Hospitals in Kirkuk have reported receiving 45 cases of suffocation as a result of a dust storm impacting the region. The Kirkuk Health Department has confirmed the influx of patients affected by the severe weather conditions.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the affected hospitals include Kirkuk, Azadi, Hawija, Al Nasr, and Children’s Hospitals. These medical facilities have been treating individuals suffering from respiratory issues caused by the dust storm.

Iraq has been enduring dusty weather conditions and dust storms for several days. The severity of these storms varies across different regions. Recent satellite imagery has shown increased activity in the western surface winds, which has led to the formation of a large dust wave. This wave is anticipated to spread to additional regions, exacerbating the respiratory health challenges faced by residents.