How ClayIraq Expands Clay Soil Project to Slow Rising Sandstorms Across the Region

Iraq has begun a major push to slow growing sandstorms in the south. Workers are spreading thick clay layers over moving dunes near Nasiriyah and Samawah. The goal is to cut sand movement that now affects Iraq and its neighbors. The project is backed by UN‑Habitat and Iraqi officials. The main keyword with the highest search volume is sandstorms.Iraq has seen more sandstorms in recent years due to heat, drought, and weak soil. According to Reuters, officials say the storms now strike hundreds of times each year. These storms block roads, shut airports, and send many people to hospitals. The new clay project is part of a larger effort to slow this trend.

Sandstorms Are Forcing Iraq to Act Fast

The work site sits between Nasiriyah and Samawah. Bulldozers spread moist clay in layers about 20 to 25 centimeters thick. The clay helps lock the loose soil in place. Workers also plant hardy trees that can survive heat and drought. These plants help hold the ground long-term.Iraqi experts say this area is small but key. Winds often pick up sand here and push it toward Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. UN‑Habitat says the project could reduce regional dust flow next summer. A nearby highway has seen many crashes during storms, and the clay cover should also improve safety there.The Ministry of Environment warns that Iraq now faces around 243 sandstorms each year. It says this could hit 300 dust days by 2050. This rise is tied to climate change, water shortages, and shrinking farmland. The new clay program is one part of a wider plan to rebuild damaged land in the south.

Iraq Seeks Long-Term Solutions as Climate Pressure Grows

Iraq began land‑stabilizing programs in the 1970s. Many of them stopped during decades of conflict. Now the government is trying to restart them. According to AP News, new projects include digging canals and pumping water from the Euphrates. The aim is to revive soil so farmers can return to fields that dried up or turned to sand.Climate experts in Iraq say the progress is slow but steady. They believe expanded green belts could help lower temperatures and reduce dust storms in the future. But these steps need time, money, and stable access to water. Iraq faces strong pressure to act because sandstorms now affect daily life across the country.If the current clay program works, officials may expand it across more desert zones. They hope this will create a buffer that protects cities and farmland. For now, the project offers a small but important step in a country hit hard by climate change.

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Iraq is fighting sandstorms with new methods, old knowledge, and renewed urgency. The clay program could mark a turning point if support continues. The next year will show how well this effort holds the shifting ground.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is Iraq using clay to reduce sandstorms?

Clay helps hold loose sand in place. It forms a firm layer that slows wind from lifting soil. This can cut dust movement in storm‑prone zones.

Q2: Where is the clay project located?

The work is underway between Nasiriyah and Samawah. This area is known for strong winds that carry sand to nearby countries.

Q3: How many sandstorms does Iraq face each year?

Officials say Iraq now faces about 243 storms yearly. They warn this number could reach 300 by 2050.

Q4: What plants are used to stabilize the soil?

Workers plant hardy species such as Prosopis and Conocarpus. These trees survive heat and help anchor the soil.

Q5: Who supports the project?

The work is led by UN‑Habitat with Iraqi agencies. Regional funds also support parts of the program.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News