2020 Middle East storms
[1] The countries that were affected by the storm include Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Iran and Iraq.
[3] By 13 March 2020 the storm had moved eastward and brought considerable rainfall to parts of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
[7] Severe winds that developed to the south of this low pressure system led to the formation of sand storms from the Sahara desert, causing significantly reduced visibility.
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in 2018 that the ‘runaway climate changes’ is likely to create an irreversible loop of heat, wildfires, storms and floods.
[9][10] This makes the region vulnerable to increasing temperatures and not only reduced precipitation but also unexpected storms that have the potential to bring torrential rainfalls.
This system successfully utilizes mobile alerts, electronic billboards, radio, television, and mosque speakers to disseminate warnings.
[20] Simultaneously, the prolonged struggles with war and climate crises in Iraq,[21] Iran and Kurdistan posed challenges for these nations in both short and long-term preparedness.
The region's vulnerability to extreme weather conditions underscores the ongoing need for comprehensive, long-term strategies to mitigate the impact of such storms.
[28] There was a shutdown of schools, government offices, rail service and cruises, as well as Luxor International Airport, a major tourist hub, leading to a feeling of isolation across Egypt, according to the Associated Press.
[25] The storm also led to power outages, car accidents, road closures and collapsed structures, according to local news media.
[4] Increased winds over Israel, Syria and Iraq carried a dust cloud from North Africa, reducing visibility to as little as 20 meters in some areas.
[2] With healthcare already stretched and scarce due to the ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Iraq and Syria,[32] further strains from the storms and the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic sent the Middle East further into crisis.
[13] In response to the storm, the countries significantly affected engaged in individualised disaster relief efforts tailored to their unique circumstances.
Governments took proactive measures to address the immediate needs of affected populations, deploying emergency response teams, providing medical aid, and distributing essential supplies.
On 11 March 2020, the Egyptian government urged its citizens to stay inside their homes and closed several major roads between the provinces.
[36] ERC secured sites in the village of El Desamey and the Alzaraib area, supplying essential furniture to facilitate the provision of services to the local residents.
[36] In Jordan, the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) declared a heightened state of alert, encouraging the public to stay informed through official weather forecasts.
[37] The department urged people to stay at home and suspended classes for schools in Maan, the southern Badia, and several parts of Aqaba.
The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) declared a heightened state of alert, activating its emergency plan to address the anticipated weather conditions.
Some of the key considerations include the importance of preparedness and emergency response, the need for robust infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, and the recognition of climate change as the cause of these storms.
[19] The events emphasized the need for preventive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and the importance of international cooperation in solving climate-related challenges.
These storms caused serious damage and loss of life, and it became clear that timely and accurate information is essential so that people can take the necessary precautions and evacuate if necessary.
The 2020 Middle East storms also served as a wake-up call for the region to strengthen preparedness, response and long-term planning efforts to combat the growing risks of extreme weather events and climate change.
It emphasized the importance of addressing existing social, economic and environmental inequalities to ensure that all individuals and communities have equal access to resources, support and opportunities to build resilience.
