Dust storm disrupts life in southeastern Iran, hospitalising over 730

A sand and dust storm in Iran's southeastern region disrupted daily life, sending 733 people to hospitals to seek medical attention.

"Due to the storm, 733 people from the cities of Zabul, Zehek, Hamun, Hirmend, and Nimruz in the northern part of Sistan-Baluchestan province sought medical attention at hospitals within three days. Among these individuals, 58 were hospitalized and treated," Sistan-Baluchestan Emergency Director Mecid Muhibbi told Iran's official news agency IRNA, Middle East Monitor reports.

Sistan-Baluchestan Meteorology Director Muhsin Haydari explained that due to increased airborne dust levels, visibility dropped to three kilometres (1.9 miles) in Zabul and two kilometres (1.3 miles) in Zehek.

In a written statement, the Sistan-Baluchestan Governorate announced that government institutions and banks were closed today in the cities of Zabul, Zehek, Hamun, Hirmend, and Nimruz due to the sand and dust storm.

Last month, hundreds of people were hospitalized in Sistan-Baluchestan province due to a sandstorm.