Toxic Black Rain and Oil Clouds Engulf Tehran After Israeli Strikes
Tehran, Iran's capital, and its surrounding regions are currently enveloped in thick black clouds and experiencing a "toxic rain of oil" in the form of black droplets. This environmental and health crisis erupted after Israeli forces targeted the Shahran and Shahr-e-Rey oil depots in Tehran late on Saturday. The aftermath has plunged the city into darkness and distress, with residents reporting severe breathing difficulties and widespread panic.
Residents Describe a Scene of Horror and Suffocation
Iranians living in India have shared harrowing accounts from their family members back home. "Waking up on Sunday morning seemed to be like a moment of horror. Even at 10am, it was so dark that it seemed like night. People are having severe difficulties in breathing even inside their houses. We feel helpless. Children, elderly, our pets, all are suffocating," said Abgine Khaki, an Iranian in India, citing conversations over the state-controlled messaging app Bale.
Khaki emphasized the direct harm to the environment and the danger to everyone, particularly vulnerable groups. "Think about the patients in hospitals... Think about those daily wagers who need to step out for work." The strikes were so intense that reports indicate they exceeded what the Trump administration had anticipated, with a US presidential advisor expressing disapproval of the targets.
Government Measures and Escalating Hardships
In response, the Iranian government has advised citizens to wear masks. One Iranian in Mumbai managed a brief call with his father, revealing, "There is a strong oil stench in the air. But more than air, it is the toxic black rain droplets which are causing more damage." He added that grocery prices have surged post-strikes, and a fuel cap of 5 liters per day has been imposed due to significant losses. "We hope the situation is contained at the earliest. Ordinary Iranians are suffering the most," he lamented.
Health Risks and Medical Warnings
Doctors warn that the acid rain poses grave risks, especially for those with pre-existing conditions. Dr. Anurag Agrawal, head of pulmonary medicine at Govt Doon Medical College Hospital, Dehradun, explained, "In this situation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma can develop, besides acute respiratory distress syndrome. Proper precautions like staying indoors, wearing goggles and mask, and covering face with wet cloth will help." Skin, eye, and pulmonary issues are also anticipated.
Communication Blackout Exacerbates the Crisis
Mohammed Kashmiri, an Iranian in Delhi for over five years, highlighted the worsening situation due to a persistent communication blackout. "Internet and phone lines are down. One of the few mediums of communication left is Bale, which is heavily monitored by the govt. It has no end-to-end encryption, thus no privacy for users. People have no other option. On top of these restrictions, the almost negligible internet speed is making it difficult to connect with our dear ones back home," he said. This blackout also hinders emergency message reception.
Community Resilience Amidst Adversity
Despite the challenges, Iranians are demonstrating resilience. Khaki noted that people are checking on neighbors and strangers to offer help. "We're confident that this difficult phase of our nation's history will pass too," she affirmed, reflecting a spirit of solidarity in the face of crisis.
