The latest dust storms in south-eastern Iran have sent more than 2,000 people to hospital in recent weeks.
A total of 2,107 people sought medical treatment at hospitals and medical centres across five cities in Sistan and Baluchestan province due to recent dust storms, Majid Mohebi, the director general of the provincial Crisis Management Office, told state news agency Irna on Sunday.
More than 130 people remain in hospital and respiratory, heart and eye conditions have been "major problems", he said.
Dust storms, a frequent occurrence in Iran, have "increased dramatically" in the past two decades, researchers say.
The storms can also badly affect agriculture and infrastructure.
Three people have died in recent dust storms that have swept across the country's south-east, with the deaths attributed to "reduced visibility", Mr Mohebi said.
Aside from respiratory issues, the storms can also cause strokes and forms of meningitis as a result of bad air quality, studies have shown.
Researchers in the UAE have warned of potentially "disastrous" effects on human health as climate change creates more dust storms across the Middle East.
Authorities are on standby to help motorists with reduced vision due to the dust, Mr Mohebi said.
Schools and offices in Sistan and Baluchestan were closed this weekend, the start of the academic year, due to the storms.
Last month, officials said at least 1,000 people had been taken to hospital due to due dust storms and high temperatures.
Iran is among countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Deforestation and drought have worsened the dust storms.
The Iran Meteorological Organisation estimates 97 per cent of the country faces issues with some level of drought.
Cities on the Caspian Sea were hit by heavy floods last week, with Astara seeing its heaviest rains in a century.
Almost 100 people were killed in flash floods that swept across the country last year, affecting 21 out of 31 provinces.
U19 WORLD CUP, WEST INDIES
UAE group fixtures (all in St Kitts)
- Saturday 15 January: UAE beat Canada by 49 runs
- Thursday 20 January: v England
- Saturday 22 January: v Bangladesh
UAE squad:
Alishan Sharafu (captain), Shival Bawa, Jash Giyanani, Sailles
Jaishankar, Nilansh Keswani, Aayan Khan, Punya Mehra, Ali Naseer, Ronak Panoly,
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Rating: 3/5
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China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
