Baghdad:Dust and sandstorms are expected to persist across Iraq during the coming winter, as reported by the Green Iraq Observatory.

According to the National Iraqi News Agency, the Observatory attributes the ongoing storms to increased activity at dust-generating hotspots within the country. Additionally, conditions in neighboring nations are exacerbating the situation in Iraq.

The Observatory highlights that over 23 percent of Iraq’s land, which is desertified and abandoned, remains a significant source of dust. Current measures such as rainfall and flash floods have not been effective in reducing these storms. The restoration of agricultural activity in these areas is deemed necessary to mitigate dust storm occurrences.

The impact of these storms is also being felt in neighboring countries, attributed to activity at six active dust hotspots within Iraq. Although discussions about developing green belts and tree planting in various governorates have taken place, these initiatives have not been implemented and thus have not helped in reducing the storms.

Furthermore, the Observatory emphasizes the negative effects of these storms on citizens, especially those with respiratory issues like asthma and sinusitis. Long-term health risks are also a concern, as sandstorms may carry pollutants from their points of origin.