GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): A number of residents in southern Ghazni province say that due to the ongoing drought and severe air pollution, many people have been suffering from various illnesses.

Local health officials confirm the issue and urge citizens to follow health guidelines.

Mashooqullah, a resident of Ghazni City's Third Plan area, told Pajhwok Afghan News that this year three of his children and his wife fall ill several times.

He said children are suffering from chest infections, sore throats, and diarrhea, while adults are mostly affected by colds.

Another resident, Zalmay, said several members of his family currently suffered cold and sore throats.“One of my brothers has developed pneumonia; his health condition is not good and he is now hospitalized,” he added.

Several other residents of Ghazni expressed similar concerns, saying they are struggling with different illnesses.

Dr. Habibur Rahman Nazari, head of the Ghazni Regional Hospital, said that based on clinical observations and patient statistics, the incidence of respiratory diseases has increased this year compared to previous years.

He explained that increased dust caused by drought along with climate change and air pollution, are the main factors behind the rise in respiratory illnesses.

“During drought, the amount of soil and dust in the air rises significantly, reducing air quality. When dust levels increase, the human respiratory system is harmed, leading to coughing, colds, allergic bronchitis, shortness of breath, and even lung infections,” he said.

According to him, these effects are particularly serious for children, the elderly, and people who already have respiratory problems.

Efforts to obtain accurate data about the number of registered patients were unsuccessful.

Dr. Nazari advised people to follow health recommendations during such conditions - wearing masks when going outside on dusty days, maintaining proper indoor humidity, and preventing dust from entering homes through windows.

Climate expert Hikmat Masoud said that drought posed a threat not only to humans but to the entire natural ecosystem.“The environmental impacts of drought are severe. The lack of rainfall prevents soil nourishment, winds stir up dust and sand, green areas dry out, vegetation dies, and natural greenery disappears - all causing widespread environmental damage,” he explained.

He added that the loss of natural greenery disrupts the atmospheric balance and worsens climate change, which further increases dust and air pollution - harmful to humans, animals, and the environment alike.

According to him, this year's drought has polluted the air, caused a rise in illnesses, and also damaged agricultural crops such as apples, potatoes and others.

sa/ma

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