A sandstorm closes offices and schools in the Tehran region

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Schools and government offices were closed Monday in Iran’s capital and several other cities in the country after another sandstorm hit Tehran and surrounding areas.

State television warned of poor air quality and advised the elderly, sick and children to take precautions. The report says banks and the Tehran stock exchange will remain open.

This is the second time Tehran has closed schools and government offices, and the fourth severe sandstorm since mid-April. Schools and government offices in Tehran were closed for the first time due to a sandstorm in May. However, in the west of the country, along the border with Iraq, schools and offices are often closed due to sandstorms.

Tehran is one of the most polluted cities in the world. Experts blame poor government policies, desertification and low water levels, as well as climate change for the frequency and intensity of recent sandstorms.