Iraq is losing approximately $1mn per day due to dust and sandstorms that strike the country, according to a report by the Iraq Green Observatory, an environmental affairs monitoring body on May 6.

Annual sand and dust storms are wreaking havoc on regional countries as climate change continues to cause some of the highest temperatures worldwide in Iraq, Kuwait and Iran. Regional countries have held several events to try and slowdown the emergence of suffocating storms but have so far failed to turn the tide. 

"The storms hitting Iraq cause financial losses estimated at $1mn daily, due to damages inflicted on various sectors," the observatory stated in its report.

The health sector is the most affected, according to the report, due to expenses incurred by the ministry for treating respiratory patients, in addition to patients who prefer staying at home and purchasing breathing apparatus rather than going to health centres and hospitals.

Other damages caused by these storms include increased car accidents on external roads due to a lack of visibility, as well as significant damage to crops.

The report also highlighted additional harm to animals and other living organisms, along with the consumption of large amounts of water for cleaning homes, government offices, and vehicles, which may result in partial blockages of sewage networks due to accumulated waste and mud.

The observatory called on authorities to "expedite the solution to this problem through focusing on afforestation and establishing the planned green belt in several provinces, especially border provinces."

This year is expected to top record temperatures in the Persian Gulf region, according to several regional weather experts, as the effects of climate change continue to put strain on the regional weather patterns.

The Iraqi report comes out as neighbouring Iran has announced that schools, government offices and universities will be shut in several nearby regions, local Sharq newspaper reported on May 6.

The province of Kermanshah has seen the most extensive shutdown, with its governor-general announcing the closure of all offices, banks, schools, and universities for the day due to the critical air conditions in the provincial capital and its border cities.

Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces have also opted for remote operation of schools and universities due to unfavourable atmospheric conditions reported in the morning and afternoon in Khuzestan. Offices and banks in both provinces are continuing their activities as usual.

Earlier in August 2024, regional weather stations reported record temperatures, with Dayrestan in Iran reporting a heat index record of 82.2°C (180°F) and a dew point of 36.1°C (97°F), indicating an international record.

The heat has caused a series of electricity failures across the region as people prepare to make the most significant movement for the annual Arba'een pilgrimage in Iraq.

Iraq’s Arba’een festival, which brings about one of the largest religious gatherings in the world – and is sometimes dubbed the biggest movement of men, women and children on the planet – is stated to begin after Hajj this year and in the extreme heat zone.