Tehran has awakened to a scene reminiscent of a disaster movie, replete with thick black smoke rising into the sky and streets covered in soot. Following a night of airstrikes targeting the city’s oil depots, the atmosphere is laden with a palpable sense of chaos and despair.
Aftermath of Airstrikes
The airstrikes on Sunday hit four oil depots and a petroleum logistics site in and around Tehran. Local authorities reported that six people lost their lives and approximately 20 were injured at one of the attack locations.
Videos shared by citizen journalists depicted massive flames engulfing the Tehran sky throughout the night, with smoke continuing to rise from the damaged facilities. As rain began to fall on the city of 10 million people, officials cautioned residents about the potential for toxic acid rain. Many locals awoke with sore throats and burning eyes.
In messages sent to the Guardian, Negin—an activist and former political prisoner—described the situation as “apocalyptic.” She stated, “The air is filled with smoke, causing severe shortness of breath and irritation in the eyes and throat.” Despite the circumstances, people feel compelled to venture outside, as many businesses initially reopened but quickly closed due to the dangerous conditions.
Iran’s environmental agency urged Tehran’s residents to stay inside, while the country’s Red Crescent warned that inhalation of toxic chemicals could result in acid rain harmful to the skin and respiratory system. Advising against using air conditioning or venturing outdoors after rain, authorities encouraged precautions for exposed food. Tehran’s governor also recommended wearing masks outdoors. Dr. Shahram Kordasti, a UK-based Iranian haemato-oncologist, cautioned that fine particulate matter and toxic gases could worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Negin made a valiant effort to secure masks and inhalers. She voiced her frustration over the scarcity of crucial supplies, stating, “Even masks are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This is a grave injustice. I urge those with influence, especially the foreign media, to highlight this alarming situation.”
Negin expressed deep concern over the continued strikes, noting that, “This goes beyond a violation of human rights; it reflects a disregard for humanity. Our conflict is not with each other, but with the government’s actions against us. Attacking vital resources is unconscionable.”
With rising costs, she shared that the price of an inhaler had surged to 850,000 tomans [£4.50], a sum unaffordable for many, especially those without steady work. The pressure within the city is mounting, as shortages of essential goods are increasingly apparent.
In messages conveyed through relatives abroad, two residents of Tehran reported being advised to remain indoors and received guidelines from local media on how to cope with the toxic air.
Mehdi, a 42-year-old restaurant owner from western Tehran, remarked that the fear of inhaling toxins was reminiscent of the anxiety experienced during the Covid pandemic. “I’m reluctant even to clean the balconies due to the soot. My eyes are burning, yet I see others without masks going about their lives. I don’t possess that courage,” he said.
Mehdi also mentioned his decision to leave the city, as he believes serving food in his restaurant poses a health risk until the water supply is confirmed safe. He emphasized the notion that the government neglects its citizens: “We are left to fend for ourselves. If the regime is indifferent to us, how can we expect outside forces to care?”
While the strikes unfolded, another resident, Mehnaz, who opted to remain anonymous, attempted to flee the city. She and her husband gathered essentials, fearing further attacks, and set out in their car. Shortly after, they spotted bright flames rising from the Shahr-e Rey oil depot.
While initially deciding to leave, Mehnaz was faced with numerous obstacles due to the internet blackout. She mentioned, “I thought it was safe to leave, but I quickly realized it wasn’t.”
On Sunday, Mehnaz ultimately felt it was untenable to stay in Tehran. She made her escape around 11:30 am and drove towards her parents’ home in the province.
She described the harrowing scene with gas rationing at every station and noted that the Rey depot was still aflame. “The night sky was illuminated by the fires, while in the day it felt eerily dark, as if we were in a new moon night. It symbolizes just how bleak our prospects are,” she concluded.
Mehnaz reflected on the absence of birds in the sky, stating, “When the birds abandon the skies, it indicates you are truly alone.” She concluded with a metaphor about the city’s cats: “If these assaults continue, the next rulers will find themselves in charge of a land governed by felines. Even cats, however, only possess nine lives.”
Additional reporting by Angelique Chrisafis, Associated Press and AFP
Key Takeaways
- Tehran has been engulfed in thick smoke following airstrikes on oil facilities.
- Authorities reported casualties, including six fatalities and numerous injuries.
- Residents are experiencing severe health issues due to toxic air quality.
- Local officials have advised people to remain indoors and wear masks.
- Basic supplies, including masks and inhalers, are becoming scarce in the city.
- Many residents feel abandoned and unsupported by the government amidst the crisis.
FAQ
What are the immediate health risks after the airstrikes?
Residents may experience respiratory issues, burning eyes, and throat irritation due to toxic chemicals in the air.
What precautions are residents advised to take?
Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid using air conditioning, and wear masks if they must go out.
How has the community responded to the crisis?
Many residents express feelings of helplessness and frustration, with some indicating a collective effort to support one another despite the government’s inaction.
Are there shortages of basic supplies in Tehran?
Yes, essential items such as masks and inhalers are increasingly difficult to find, putting further strain on residents.
