Sandstorms threaten Iraq's Umm Al Aqarib archaeological site - in pictures

Ancient structures in Dhi Qar province risk being eroded and buried

This picture taken on March 31, 2023 shows an aerial plan view of an ancient structure at the Umm al-Aqarib archaeological site, frequently buried by sandstorms due to desertification, in the district of al-Rifai in Iraq's southern Dhi Qar province. - Iraqi archeological marvels that survived millennia and the ravages of war now face a modern threat: being blasted and buried by sandstorms linked to climate change. Many Babylonian treasures, painstakingly unearthed, are slowly disappearing again under wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts. (Photo by Asaad NIAZI / AFP)

Archaeologist Aqeel Mansarawi at the ancient site in the southern Dhi Qar province, which he says is now under threat from sandstorms linked to climate change

Some of the walls at the site have stood for millennia

Babylonian treasures have been painstakingly unearthed over decades by archaeologists

But the structures are frequently reburied by sandstorms

The archaeology is also damaged by wind-blown sand in a land parched by rising heat and prolonged droughts

Mr Mansarawi inspects ancient masonry that is falling prey to the harsh conditions

Archaeological marvels that survived the ravages of war are again under threat

An ancient building that is disappearing into the sands

Mr Mansarawi searches for the remains of a building claimed by the desert sands

More from The National:

Earth Day around the world - in pictures

Hydroponic farm in Tunisia - in pictures

What to expect at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Dr Sultan Al Neyadi celebrates Eid in space