Lake Urmia Environmental Disaster - Iran

Lake Urmia Environmental Disaster - Iran

Salt formations cover the cracked surface of the dried bed of Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran on December 19, 2025. Lake Urmia, once the largest lake in the Middle East, has dramatically shrunk due to prolonged drought, the damming of rivers feeding the lake and extensive groundwater extraction in the surrounding area. Although increased rainfall and water diversion briefly helped restore water levels in 2019, renewed drought and administrative mismanagement in the early 2020s reversed the trend, and satellite imagery shows the lake has almost entirely dried up by September 2025. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Lake Urmia Environmental Disaster - Iran

Lake Urmia Environmental Disaster - Iran

Salt formations cover the cracked surface of the dried bed of Lake Urmia in northwestern Iran on December 19, 2025. Lake Urmia, once the largest lake in the Middle East, has dramatically shrunk due to prolonged drought, the damming of rivers feeding the lake and extensive groundwater extraction in the surrounding area. Although increased rainfall and water diversion briefly helped restore water levels in 2019, renewed drought and administrative mismanagement in the early 2020s reversed the trend, and satellite imagery shows the lake has almost entirely dried up by September 2025. Photo by Morteza Aminoroayayi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A rifle lies on the cracked ground of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A spent shotgun shell rests on cracked soil at the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A spent shotgun shell rests on cracked soil at the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Cracked earth lines the edge of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

Drying Wetland Fuels Dust Storm Crisis - Iran

A dry bush stands on the cracked surface of the Eshtehard Wetland on January 5, 2016, in Eshtehard, Iran. Once a seasonal lake, the wetland has largely dried up due to prolonged drought, declining rainfall, and poor water management, becoming a growing source of dust pollution for nearby communities. Photo by Damoun Pournemati/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Ganges Riverbeds - India

Boys walk across the cracked riverbed of the Ganges in Prayagraj, India, on October 14, 2025. Photo by Sanjay Kanojia/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

Pakistan Heat Strains Water Resources - Pakistan

A stray dog seeks shade under an old water tank at the cracked bed of Rawal Dam, whose water levels have plummeted due to record low rainfall, in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 16, 2025. Authorities warn that Rawal, Simli and Khanpur dams — key sources of water for Islamabad and Rawalpindi — are barely sufficient to meet the next two months of demand, as the monsoon's delay threatens a severe water crisis. Photo by Raja Imran/Middle East/ABACAPRESS.COM

Russian forces launch massive Shahed drone attack on Odesa region

Russian forces launch massive Shahed drone attack on Odesa region

The windscreen of a truck is cracked as a result of a Russian drone attack in the Odesa district, Odesa region, Ukraine, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform)

Russian launches massive Shahed drone attack on Odesa

Russian launches massive Shahed drone attack on Odesa

The windscreen is cracked after a Russian drone attack which took place on Monday evening, April 21, Odesa, Ukraine, on April 22, 2025. (Photo by Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform)

Aftermath of large-scale April 16 Russian drone attack in Dnipro

Aftermath of large-scale April 16 Russian drone attack in Dnipro

The window of a shoe shop is cracked by the large-scale Russian drone attack, which took place on Wednesday evening, April 16, Dnipro, Ukraine, April 17, 2025. The Russian strike claimed the lives of three people, including a 17-year-old girl, and left 28 people injured. (Photo by Mykola Miakshykov/Ukrinform)

Aftermath of large-scale April 16 Russian drone attack in Dnipro

Aftermath of large-scale April 16 Russian drone attack in Dnipro

The window of a shoe shop is cracked by the large-scale Russian drone attack, which took place on Wednesday evening, April 16, Dnipro, Ukraine, April 17, 2025. The Russian strike claimed the lives of three people, including a 17-year-old girl, and left 28 people injured. (Photo by Mykola Miakshykov/Ukrinform)

Israel Hits Mezzeh Military Airport - Syria

Israel Hits Mezzeh Military Airport - Syria

A framed portrait of Bashar Al-Assad lies cracked on the ground at Mezzeh military airport in Damascus, Syria, on December 16, 2024. The site shows destruction caused by the Israeli army's bombing days after Syria’s liberation. Photo by Fadel Itani/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth with a narrow stream of water running through it, highlighting the environmental crisis in Iraq from 2018 to 2021, including the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth with a narrow stream of water running through it, highlighting the environmental crisis in Iraq from 2018 to 2021, including the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth, a stark reminder of the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan, highlights Iraq’s intense environmental crisis from 2018 to 2021. The country, home to 43 million people, grapples with severe water scarcity amid the impacts of climate change, with summer temperatures frequently soaring to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Herds of sheep graze across cracked, dry land in Iraq, a landscape also affected by the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan. As temperatures soared up to 50°C (122°F) in summer, Iraq faces severe climate-related challenges that threaten both people and ecosystems. Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth, a stark reminder of the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan, highlights Iraq’s intense environmental crisis from 2018 to 2021. The country, home to 43 million people, grapples with severe water scarcity amid the impacts of climate change, with summer temperatures frequently soaring to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth with a narrow stream of water running through it, highlighting the environmental crisis in Iraq from 2018 to 2021, including the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth with a narrow stream of water running through it, highlighting the environmental crisis in Iraq from 2018 to 2021, including the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Environmental Crisis - Iraq

Cracked, dry earth, a stark reminder of the drying up of the Sirwan River in Halabja province, Iraqi Kurdistan, highlights Iraq’s intense environmental crisis from 2018 to 2021. The country, home to 43 million people, grapples with severe water scarcity amid the impacts of climate change, with summer temperatures frequently soaring to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Photo by Peshraw Mahdi/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

People trying to defend the police as they cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked the police to kick them out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked for them to be kicked out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

Displaced People Protest Eviction - Beirut

An man injured by the clashes is being taken to the hospital in a critical condition as the police cracked down on families displaced by the war who settled in an abandoned building as the landlord asked the police to kick them out. After giving 48 hours to leave the property, police stormed the building and used force against anyone present. After 5 hours of clashes between the families and the police, the public prosecutor decided to give them 48 more hours to leave. The clashes resulted in many injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. According to the Lebanese Government, more than 1.2 million people were displaced by the war against Israel. October 21 2024. Photo by Nael Chahine/Middle East Images/ABACAPRESS.COM