Iraqi capital hit again by sandstorms – in pictures
A man smokes a cigarette during a sandstorm in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
The sand or dust storm is the latest in a series of what Iraqis say is an unprecedented number to hit the country in recent weeks. Reuters
Only a week ago, a similar sandstorm grounded planes at Baghdad International Airport and many schools and offices were forced to close. Reuters
Hundreds of people across Baghdad and in southern cities went to hospital with breathing difficulties. AP
At least one sandstorm a week has hit Iraq since last month. AP
The enveloping orange haze of sand and dust tends to reduce visibility to a few hundred metres. AP
Climate change is causing the sandstorms, many in Iraq believe. AP
The country has been hit by soil degradation, intense drought and low rainfall linked to climate change. Reuters
The proliferation of sandstorms has also been associated with overuse of river water, excessive building of dams, overgrazing and deforestation. EPA
An Environment Ministry official said Iraq could face '272 days of dust' a year over the next two decades. EPA
The supply of water has been declining for years, and Iraq is classified by the UN as one of the world's five countries most vulnerable to climate change and desertification. EPA
Cars drive along a street at Kahraman Square shrouded in heavy dust in central Baghdad, but the going is slow. EPA
A heavy dust storm in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq. AFP
Cycling along a pedestrian bridge amid a Nasiriyah dust storm. AFP
Bedouin shepherds during a sandstorm sweeping Iraq. AFP
A traffic policeman directs the flow of cars as dust limits visibility in Nasiriyah. AFP
Sheep herded by Bedouin shepherds near Najaf are almost hidden by a sandstorm. AFP
A dusty walk in Baghdad. Reuters
A statue of Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi during a sandstorm in Baghdad. Reuters
