Dust Storms in Sistan

Sand and dust storms engulfed the southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province on Wednesday with wind speeds reaching 76 km/h, said Morteza Faraji, an expert from the provincial office of Iran Meteorological Organization.

 “We forecast strong winds for Thursday and Friday also which means the dust storm will persist until Saturday, particularly in cities of Zabol, Hamoun, Nimrouz, and Zehak. The wind speed may reach 85 km/h,” IRNA quoted him as saying.

Dust storms have created havoc in the south and southwestern provinces. Drying wetlands in southeastern Iran (like Hamoun Wetland) have become major sources of the sand and dust storms. Excessive dam construction, declining precipitation and global warming have exacerbated the region’s plight as it struggles with ever increasing levels of pollution.