Dust storm sends Iraqis to hospital for respiratory treatment

Medical workers in Najaf treated a surge of respiratory patients after a severe dust storm swept through the city, affecting elderly residents and people with chronic lung conditions. Authorities warned that the hazardous air could worsen health problems even for otherwise healthy individuals.

Reuters

19 May 2026 at 05:41:40

The Imam Ali shrine and surrounding area during a dust storm in Najaf, Iraq, May 18, 2026.

Alaa al-Marjani/Reuters

A dust storm swept across Najaf, Iraq ,on Monday (May 18), reducing visibility and sending people to hospital with breathing difficulties, particularly the elderly and those suffering from chronic illnesses.

Streets shrouded in thick dust as patients crowded into the emergency department of Al‑Hakeem Hospital, where medical staff treated men struggling to breathe and placed them under observation.

“The dust storm in Najaf has increased the number of breathing difficulty cases, especially among people with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. These patients cannot tolerate such conditions,” said Dr. Hussam Haider.

He added that while the hospital was prepared and providing treatment, patients remained under observation as such weather conditions could worsen even a healthy person’s condition.

-Production: Ahmed Saeed, Mariana Hernandez/Reuters