Strong sandstorms caused by winds up to 80 km have wreaked havoc on Zabol in the Iranian province of Sistan and Balochestan on the border with both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Many offices, businesses and education establishments were closed because of high pollution levels caused by the desert storms.

"All administrative offices are closed because of the pollution,” Zabol governor Hussein Keikha said.

Visibility has been reduced to less than a hundred meters. The elderly, children and people with heart and respiratory problems have been told to stay indoors.

Iran's Sistan and Balochestan province has long suffered periodic, blinding sandstorms due to years of drought.

MP/MMA