Iraq was hit by its most severe sandstorm of 2025 this week, turning skies from blue to an orange haze. Visibility dropped to less than half a mile, causing travel disruptions, with two major airports halting flights, and streets in Basra, the largest city in southern Iraq, deserted. Respiratory problems sent thousands to hospital. The storm also affectedKuwait, where wind gusts exceeded 50mph, and visibility in some areas was diminished to zero.This massive dust cloud originated in Saudi Arabia before being blown intoIraq. While dust storms are common in Iraq, the climate crisis is expected to intensify them across the region in the future, fuelled by desertification in Saudi Arabia and Syria.Meanwhile, ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam has battered northern parts of New Zealand’s North Island as it swirls in the Tasman Sea, causing widespread damage, including power outages, fallen trees, submerged roads and flight delays at Auckland airport. The storm, which first hit on Wednesday evening, brought wind gusts of more than 80mph at Cape Reinga on the northern tip of the island, the strongest recorded there since 2017.View image in fullscreenPeople battle against the wind at the seaside in Auckland, New Zealand, on Thursday.Photograph: Xinhua/Rex/ShutterstockTropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters, where rising air creates strong winds and heavy rain. When they move over cooler waters, they become ex-tropical cyclones. Despite losing their tropical energy source, they remain powerful as they gain energy from atmospheric temperature differences, growing in size and bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds over large areas.Winds, rain and thunderstorms have affected several areas, with rainfall totals reaching 200mm recorded in Coromandel, near Auckland, and Tasman, in the north of the South Island. Further severe weather warnings have been issued as the cyclone continues to move southwards, disrupting the Easter weekend by delaying travel and sporting events.Meanwhile, Storm Hans, the largest of the 2024-25 European windstorm season, has lashed the Alps since Thursday, causing widespread disruption across northern Italy, southern Switzerland and south-easternFranceas the busy Easter weekend approaches. The French ski resort of Tignes was forced to close, along with nearby roads, as snow accumulations reached up to one metre.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toDown to EarthFree weekly newsletterThe planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essentialEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionAt least another metre is forecast to fall following the storm. Popular ski areas such as Val d’Isère, Chamonix, and Les Menuires also experienced heavy snowfall. A level 5 avalanche warning has been issued in the worst-affected areas, while heavy rainfall has caused landslides and flooding at lower altitudes, with road and rail closures as a result.
Weather tracker: sandstorm turns Iraqi skies orange and empties the streets
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Severe Sandstorm in Iraq Causes Travel Disruptions and Health Concerns"
The Guardian
8.6
TruthLens AI Summary
Iraq experienced its most severe sandstorm of 2025 this week, dramatically altering the landscape as the skies transitioned from blue to an ominous orange haze. The storm severely impacted visibility, reducing it to less than half a mile, which led to significant travel disruptions; two major airports halted all flights, and the streets of Basra, the largest city in southern Iraq, were left deserted. The health impact was substantial, with thousands of individuals suffering from respiratory issues, necessitating hospital visits. This massive dust cloud, which originated in Saudi Arabia, not only affected Iraq but also swept into Kuwait, where wind gusts exceeded 50 mph and visibility plunged to zero in some locations. Experts note that while dust storms are a common occurrence in Iraq, the climate crisis is expected to exacerbate their frequency and intensity in the region, largely driven by desertification in neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia and Syria.
In addition to the sandstorm in Iraq, other regions are also grappling with severe weather events. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam has wreaked havoc on New Zealand’s North Island, leading to widespread damage that includes power outages, fallen trees, and submerged roads. The cyclone, which intensified as it moved over cooler waters, brought wind gusts exceeding 80 mph and significant rainfall, with totals reaching 200mm in areas like Coromandel, near Auckland. Further severe weather warnings have been issued as the cyclone continues its trajectory southward, disrupting travel and sporting events during the Easter weekend. Meanwhile, Storm Hans, the largest European windstorm of the 2024-25 season, has been causing disruption across northern Italy, southern Switzerland, and southeastern France, leading to the closure of ski resorts and warnings of avalanches due to heavy snowfall. The combination of these weather events highlights the increasing volatility of climate patterns globally, with profound implications for health, safety, and travel.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The report highlights the severe weather events affecting Iraq and New Zealand, with a focus on a sandstorm in Iraq that drastically altered the environment and led to health issues, and a cyclone in New Zealand causing significant disruption. This dual focus suggests a broader narrative regarding climate change and its immediate impacts on everyday life.
Implications of Climate Change
The article connects the sandstorm in Iraq to the climate crisis, indicating that such events are expected to intensify due to desertification in neighboring regions. This framing serves to raise awareness about the ongoing environmental changes affecting the planet, particularly in areas already vulnerable to extreme weather. The implication is that climate change is not a distant threat but a current reality impacting health and safety.
Public Health Concerns
The report emphasizes the health repercussions of the sandstorm, with thousands experiencing respiratory issues. This aspect of the story aims to evoke concern among the public about the immediate health risks posed by such environmental crises. By detailing the hospital visits, the article seeks to underline the urgency of addressing the underlying causes of these weather events.
Media Narrative and Public Perception
The mention of travel disruptions and deserted streets in Basra paints a vivid picture of the chaos caused by the sandstorm. This narrative can foster a sense of urgency and fear regarding climate-related disasters, potentially leading the public to advocate for stronger climate policies. The article positions these weather events as warnings of what may come if climate change is not adequately addressed.
Economic and Political Ramifications
The impacts of such severe weather on infrastructure and travel could have economic consequences, especially in regions reliant on tourism and trade. The disruption of flights and local activities may lead to financial losses, prompting discussions on the need for investment in climate resilience. Politically, this situation could pressure governments to prioritize environmental policies and disaster preparedness.
Community Reactions
The report may resonate more with communities already concerned about climate issues. Environmental activists and public health advocates could find the information compelling, using it to bolster their arguments for immediate action. Conversely, those skeptical of climate change may dismiss the report as exaggerated, highlighting a divide in public perception regarding environmental issues.
Impact on Markets
While the article does not directly mention financial markets, severe weather events like those described can influence commodities and insurance markets. Companies involved in disaster relief and infrastructure might see fluctuations in stock value due to increased demand for their services in response to such events. Investors in regions prone to climate impacts could also reassess their portfolios based on the increasing frequency of these occurrences.
Geopolitical Context
The article does not explicitly link the weather events to geopolitical tensions. However, the migration of environmental refugees and resource scarcity due to climate change could have broader implications for regional stability, particularly in the Middle East. As nations grapple with the consequences of climate change, it could alter power dynamics and alliances.
Use of AI in Reporting
The structure and clarity of the article suggest that AI tools may have been employed in its composition, facilitating concise reporting on complex issues. AI could assist in analyzing weather patterns and predicting their impacts, thus enhancing the informative quality of such reports. However, the language remains neutral, avoiding sensationalism, which is crucial for credibility. The article appears to be a reliable source, focusing on pressing environmental and health issues while providing a clear narrative linking climate change to immediate weather impacts. The use of data and specific examples supports the claims made, enhancing its trustworthiness. However, as with any reporting, it is essential to consider the broader context and potential biases in how the information is presented.