ID :
108374
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 14:50
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Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/108374
The shortlink copeid
Dust storms descend on Iran
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KHORAMABAD, Lorestan Province, Feb. 24 (MNA) -- A new wave of dust storm enveloped western Iran, affecting the provinces of Khuzestan, West Azerbaijan, Ilam, Lorestan, Kermanshah, and Kordestan.
These recent dust storms are the worst in a series of such storms which have swept across the west and south of the country for months.
Meteorology experts say these dust storms were caused by heavy winds blowing eastwards from the Mediterranean.
The storms began late Monday and are likely to continue for a few days.
Lorestan province has seen more than 100 days of air dust pollution over the past year inflicting an estimated 9 million dollars worth of damage on various sectors of its economy.
Water dependent sectors and beekeepers are believed to have been among the worst hit by the recurring dust storms.
The provincial environment director has said that the air pollution in Lorestan province has reached an alarming level.
He also warned people, especially children and the elderly, not to leave their homes if it is not necessary
The meteorology experts have cautioned that the provincial air pollution has risen over 14 times above the normal air quality index.
The air pollution in Kordestan province reached the critical point several times last winter.
This year, with winter drawing to an end, the dust storm has hit the province yet again and with utmost severity.
The Kordestan province governor general commented on the unpredictability of the phenomena.
“One of the most important issues regarding the air (dust) pollution is that we can not predict when it ends,” and that makes planning for schools and offices increasingly difficult, he noted.
Evening schools in Kordestan province were closed Tuesday.
The dust storms in Kermanshah province have also forced provincial authorities to close schools, universities, offices and public organizations in all areas except in the east.
Experts warn the exposure to the air dust pollution is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
They urge people not to leave their homes unless it is necessary and that they should wear masks if they go outdoors.
These recent dust storms are the worst in a series of such storms which have swept across the west and south of the country for months.
Meteorology experts say these dust storms were caused by heavy winds blowing eastwards from the Mediterranean.
The storms began late Monday and are likely to continue for a few days.
Lorestan province has seen more than 100 days of air dust pollution over the past year inflicting an estimated 9 million dollars worth of damage on various sectors of its economy.
Water dependent sectors and beekeepers are believed to have been among the worst hit by the recurring dust storms.
The provincial environment director has said that the air pollution in Lorestan province has reached an alarming level.
He also warned people, especially children and the elderly, not to leave their homes if it is not necessary
The meteorology experts have cautioned that the provincial air pollution has risen over 14 times above the normal air quality index.
The air pollution in Kordestan province reached the critical point several times last winter.
This year, with winter drawing to an end, the dust storm has hit the province yet again and with utmost severity.
The Kordestan province governor general commented on the unpredictability of the phenomena.
“One of the most important issues regarding the air (dust) pollution is that we can not predict when it ends,” and that makes planning for schools and offices increasingly difficult, he noted.
Evening schools in Kordestan province were closed Tuesday.
The dust storms in Kermanshah province have also forced provincial authorities to close schools, universities, offices and public organizations in all areas except in the east.
Experts warn the exposure to the air dust pollution is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly and those with cardiovascular and respiratory conditions.
They urge people not to leave their homes unless it is necessary and that they should wear masks if they go outdoors.