Iranian sky changed color because of sandstorm

The most intense sandstorms in Iran's history are attacking 20 provinces, forcing schools and offices to close.

Sandstorm in Khuzestan Province, Iran on April 13. Photo: AFP .

AFP reported that high-speed winds began blowing sand in western, central and southern Iran provinces since April 13. The raging of sandstorms makes foresight reduced to about 50 m in some cities.

" They are the most violent storms that ever hit Iran ," said Touraj Hemmati, an environmental officer in Iran's Khuzestan province.

Arman newspaper described ' Iranian sky turning red by sand grains '. Kayhan newspaper announced that gold sand fell like rain in Khuzestan province and the level of air pollution in this province was 70 times higher than the safety level. So far 123 people in Ilam province have been hospitalized because of sandstorms.

Officials of western Iranian provinces, including Khuzestan and Ilam, were forced to order schools and offices to be closed.

Air traffic in Iran is partially affected by sandstorms. Flights to and from some western cities are canceled.