Ongoing fires in the Hoor Al-Azeem wetland threaten the environment and the health of Ahwazi residents

Fires continue to rage in the Hoor Al-Azeem wetland, particularly in the portion located within Iraqi territory. These fires pose a serious threat to the environment and the health of residents in the western cities of the occupied state of Ahwaz. This comes amid the failure of Ahwazi authorities to fully control the situation, despite multiple firefighting operations.

The fires initially broke out spontaneously around six months ago in the Iraqi part of the wetland and have continued burning ever since. Thick smoke and chemical emissions caused by the combustion of vegetation have filled the air, spreading a suffocating odor that has worsened the suffering of local residents.

Although Ahwazi authorities have attempted to control the flames by spraying water over the affected areas, their efforts have proven ineffective.

In fact, the situation has worsened in recent days due to the increasing density of smoke and decreasing visibility in areas near the border. This has disrupted traffic and raised fears of potential accidents.

Reports indicate that such fires frequently occur in wetland areas and along the edges of Hoor Al-Azeem, resulting in severe air pollution and a significant rise in fine particulate matter in the atmosphere.

This presents a direct health hazard to the population, particularly the elderly, children, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Hoor Al-Azeem is one of the largest and most vital wetlands in the Ahwaz region. It plays an essential environmental role in regulating the local climate and supporting biodiversity.

However, it has faced escalating threats for years due to deliberate neglect by the authorities and systematic draining practices. These actions have turned vast areas of the wetland into fire-prone zones.

Ahwazi activists and environmental organizations are calling for urgent international intervention to protect what remains of the ecosystem in Hoor Al-Azeem.

They demand an end to the destructive practices carried out by the authorities, which are undermining the region’s environmental balance and depriving Ahwazi residents of a safe and healthy living environment.