Iran warns of toxic rain after US-Israel refinery attacks, urging citizens to stay indoors amid concerns about effects on Turkey.
Concerns have increased following the targeting of oil refineries in Iran by US and Israeli attacks, leading to fears of toxic rain. The Iranian Red Crescent warned citizens about the possibility of 'toxic rain,' stating that hydrocarbons, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides that have mixed into the atmosphere could come down with precipitation.
Authorities emphasized that citizens should remain indoors during the rain and avoid using open water sources, while it remains uncertain whether the rain will affect Turkey.
The rain that began after the attacks on oil refineries in Iran has raised concerns due to the chemical compounds released into the air. The Iranian Red Crescent urged citizens to take necessary precautions. In a statement, it was noted that explosions at oil depots and refineries could lead to the mixing of hydrocarbon compounds with sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere, and that the descent of these substances with rain could pose health risks.
'Do not leave your home' warning
Citizens were advised to stay indoors during the rain, keep doors and windows closed, avoid using open water sources, change clothes that have come into contact with the rain, and especially those with respiratory sensitivities were warned to be cautious.
Will it affect Turkey?
Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen evaluated the risk of the rain reaching Turkey, stating that in such events, pollutants can rise up to 3,000 meters due to air movements at ground level, potentially leading to acid rain. Şen noted that while this rain could have negative effects, meteorological systems generally move from west to east, and the toxic rain clouds are advancing towards the eastern parts of Iran and the east of the Caspian Sea.
Speaking to CNN, Şen mentioned that different meteorological systems that may develop in the region in the coming days could alter air currents, but based on current data, there is no risk for Turkey at this time.
Oil facilities in Tehran were targeted
Last night, some energy facilities in Tehran were targeted, and Iranian media reported that a fire broke out at the Shehran oil storage facility following the attack, while also stating that the Tehran Oil Refinery and some surrounding fuel depots in the Shahr-e Rey area, located south of the capital, were affected by the attacks.
In a statement made by the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company following the attacks, it was confirmed that some oil depots in Tehran and Alborz provinces were hit by missile attacks, and it was stated that necessary precautions had been taken to minimize product stocks before the attacks, and that fuel supply in the two provinces continued uninterrupted from other sources.
Over 1,200 deaths
The Iranian Ministry of Health reported that since the attacks began on February 28, more than 10,000 people have been injured and over 1,200 have lost their lives. It was also noted that the attacks have affected the health infrastructure, with 25 hospitals damaged, 9 of which are out of service, and 18 emergency service centers along with 14 ambulances rendered unusable.
Source: SeaNews Türkiye
