Toxic Sulfur Fire In Iraq Is Visible In Satellite Images
- 8 years ago
The area near Mosul in Iraq has been the site of intense armed conflict as local forces try to take back control of the city from ISIS. Now, NASA is reporting that evidence of the battle can be seen in satellite images.
The area near Mosul in Iraq has been the site of intense armed conflict as local forces try to take back control of the city from ISIS.
Now, NASA is reporting that evidence of the battle can be seen in satellite images.
The area of focus is a sulfur mine called Al-Mishraq which was set on fire by extremist forces several days ago, notes the Wall Street Journal.
According to the space agency, one of its instruments sensed an increase of heat in the area on October 20 while others have since been tracking the spreading plume of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere.
In fact, a NASA image from October 22 shows a relatively large smudge of white from the sulfur fire and a neighboring streak of black from an oil field fire.
There is particular concern about the health dangers posed by the sulfur emissions, as the toxic gas can cause severe respiratory problems and even death in some cases, notes Business Insider.
Two people have already reportedly died as a result, with hundreds more seeking medical attention for breathing troubles.
The area near Mosul in Iraq has been the site of intense armed conflict as local forces try to take back control of the city from ISIS.
Now, NASA is reporting that evidence of the battle can be seen in satellite images.
The area of focus is a sulfur mine called Al-Mishraq which was set on fire by extremist forces several days ago, notes the Wall Street Journal.
According to the space agency, one of its instruments sensed an increase of heat in the area on October 20 while others have since been tracking the spreading plume of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere.
In fact, a NASA image from October 22 shows a relatively large smudge of white from the sulfur fire and a neighboring streak of black from an oil field fire.
There is particular concern about the health dangers posed by the sulfur emissions, as the toxic gas can cause severe respiratory problems and even death in some cases, notes Business Insider.
Two people have already reportedly died as a result, with hundreds more seeking medical attention for breathing troubles.