Masks Distributed in Sistan

The Iranian Red Crescent Society has distributed more than 14,000 air pollution masks in four dust storm-hit cities in Sistan- Baluchestan Province over the past 3 days as the southeastern region continues to struggle with the dangerous and seemingly unending bad weather phenomenon.

The organization also distributed 515 food packages in Zabol, Hamoun, Zahak and Hirmand, according to Rasoul Rasheki, head of the provincial chapter of the organization, IRNA reported. A team of 84 rescuers were on the ground helping those in need.  Every summer, from mid-May to mid-September, a phenomenon known locally as the 120-day winds blow massive amounts of dust and other particulate matter from neighboring Afghanistan and Pakistan into the deprived province. The problem is exacerbated by the low water level of Hamoun Wetlands and worsened by the fact that temperatures in summer exceed 40 degrees Celsius.