When it comes to tehran’s toxic cloud: satellite images show oily fires burned for days, satellite imagery reveals that toxic fires from Israeli bombings on oil depots in Tehran continue to smolder days after the attacks, raising severe health concerns among residents in the Iranian capital. The bombings, which occurred on March 7, targeted multiple facilities, releasing clouds of pollutants including soot, oil particles, and sulfur dioxide, enveloping the city in hazardous smoke. Following the strikes, a storm brought rain laced with oil, compounding the environmental disaster.
Understanding Tehran’s Toxic Cloud: Satellite Images Show Oily Fires Burned For Days
As the fires persisted, residents reported a surge in health complaints, including headaches, skin irritations, and respiratory issues. The Guardian spoke to locals who described the aftermath of the attacks, saying symptoms could lead to long-term consequences such as cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, DNA damage, and cancer. Experts have warned that the fallout from the bombings poses a significant risk to public health, particularly affecting children and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Four fuel facilities were targeted: the Shahran depot in the northwest, the Aqdasieh oil depot in the northeast, the Tehran refinery in the south, and the Shahid Dolati facility in the west. Satellite images taken two days post-strike indicated that the Shahran depot and Tehran refinery were still ablaze, while smoke and flames were evident at the Aqdasieh site, as captured by footage shared on social media. Residents are particularly alarmed by the pervasive air pollution that has plagued Tehran for years, but the recent explosions have unleashed an unprecedented level of harmful particulates.
Environmental Catastrophe Deemed 'Ecocide'
Iranian officials have labeled the bombings as acts of "ecocide," highlighting the extensive environmental damage caused by the strikes. The attacks have not only devastated the fuel infrastructure but have also raised alarms about the long-term ecological and health impacts. Satellite images from the European Space Agency taken ten days after the bombings showed that while some fires had diminished, the Aqdasieh oil depot continued to burn, releasing toxic emissions into the atmosphere.
The implications of these attacks extend beyond immediate health concerns. According to Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, the symptoms reported by residents align with the toxic compounds released by oil fires. He explained that the raindrops from the storm acted as "little sponges or magnets," absorbing harmful pollutants from the air, leading to what residents have dubbed "black rain."
International Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
The World Health Organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, voiced concerns regarding the potential contamination of food, water, and air resulting from the attacks, emphasizing the severe health risks they pose, especially to vulnerable populations. Israel has claimed responsibility for the bombings, asserting that they targeted local fuel depots essential for civilian use, while U.S. officials have refrained from confirming American involvement, labeling the strikes as exclusively Israeli operations.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has also raised alarms about the health risks posed by the heavy smoke inhaled by the population, particularly children. UNEP's warnings underscore that the pollution from the uncontrolled fires can leach into soil and water, contaminating drinking supplies and agricultural produce.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high, with Iran retaliating against perceived threats by striking UAE's largest port and oil storage facility, Fujairah, resulting in visible smoke plumes. The recent spate of strikes, including U.S.-Israeli operations targeting ships, has exacerbated environmental concerns, raising questions about the long-term repercussions of such military actions.
In light of these developments, Iranian doctors are sharing vital information on how to protect against the health hazards posed by acid rain. Locals are advised to avoid staying outdoors, dispose of contaminated clothing, use N95 masks, and refrain from seeking shelter under trees. As the situation unfolds, the residents of Tehran are left grappling with the immediate aftermath of these bombings, which have not only threatened their health but have also ignited a broader debate about environmental responsibility in conflict zones.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.