Tehran Oil Depots Ablaze After Strikes, Residents Describe Apocalyptic Scenes
Thick black smoke continued to rise into the sky over Tehran on Sunday morning, with soot covering streets and cars, and balconies filled with black gunk, as the city woke up after a night of airstrikes targeting its oil depots. In messages and voice notes shared with the Guardian, residents described the situation as "apocalyptic", with disoriented people forced to turn on lights to see through the gloom caused by the sun being blotted out.
Strikes and Casualties
Four oil depots and a petroleum logistics site in and around Tehran were struck, resulting in six fatalities and twenty injuries at one location, according to local authorities. Videos from citizen journalists showed massive flames lighting up the Tehran sky overnight, with smoke still billowing from the storage facilities by morning.
Health Warnings and Toxic Rain
As rain fell on the city of 10 million people, authorities issued warnings about toxic acid rain, with many residents reporting pain in their throats and burning eyes. Iran's environmental agency advised people to stay indoors, while the Red Crescent cautioned that toxic chemicals could lead to acid rain, harming skin and lungs. Recommendations included avoiding air conditioners, staying inside after rainfall, and protecting exposed food. Tehran's governor suggested wearing masks outdoors.
Dr Shahram Kordasti, a UK-based Iranian haemato-oncologist, warned that toxic gases and fine particulate matter could irritate eyes and airways, exacerbate asthma, pulmonary conditions, and heart disease, and increase cancer risks.
Resident Accounts of Desperation
Negin, an activist and former political prisoner in central-east Tehran, described severe shortness of breath and burning sensations, noting that many had to venture outside despite the dangers. "Masks are becoming difficult to find. This is a huge mistake. What are people supposed to do under these conditions? This is truly a crime against humanity," she said.
She criticized the strikes, emphasizing that conflicts with the government should not target civilians or infrastructure like water systems and refineries. "Prices are skyrocketing. I bought an inhaler for 850,000 tomans. Where are people supposed to get this money?" she added, highlighting shortages of basic goods and fuel rationing.
Fear and Helplessness Among Tehranis
Mehdi, a 42-year-old restaurant owner in west Tehran, compared the fear of toxic gas to the Covid-19 pandemic, with soot everywhere making even cleaning hazardous. "We are so scared to even clean the windows and balconies. There's this smell in the air I can't explain," he said, planning to leave the city due to safety concerns about serving food.
Mehnaz, 39, attempted to flee south Tehran but turned back after seeing flames from the Shahr-e Rey oil depot, hindered by an internet shutdown. "Tehran is burning. And smoke has filled the streets. It's impossible to drive out of the city right now," she reported. She later escaped, noting eerie darkness during the day and long queues for rationed fuel. "So, so dark, just like our futures," she lamented, observing the absence of birds as a grim omen.
Broader Implications
The strikes have intensified pressures within Iran, with residents feeling abandoned by both domestic and foreign powers. Negin summed up the sentiment: "The government has basically left people on their own." As Tehran grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on survival amid toxic conditions, scarcity, and an uncertain future.
