The sandstorm hit the southern and central Iraq, significantly limiting visibility. In the city of Basra, almost 400 people were hospitalized as a result of dust inhalation. As meteorologists warn, such conditions can stay at least until next week.
On Tuesday, the dense passed over part of Iraq storm sandy. Limited visibility was in the area from the city of An-Nadżaf in the middle province of the country after Basra in the south. The General Office of Meteorology and Sejsmology issued meteorological warnings against violent weather phenomena that were in force until midnight.
Difficult road conditions
The recordings show cars moving on the streets, dying in a thick cloud of dust. According to Reuters, police officers were deployed in the field to manage traffic in conditions of poor visibility. According to the Health Directorate in Basra, about 388 people complained about breathing problems as a result of a storm, but no one was injured.
The “Shafaq News” portal said that there is currently a variable, windy weather. The gusts are to get worse again on Thursday and Friday, increasing the risk of dust storms in several regions. According to weather models, unstable conditions will probably stay until the middle of next week.
According to the United Nations organization, Iraq is the fifth country most exposed to the climate crisis in the world. Drought and extreme temperatures destroy arable fields and make large parts of Iraq in summer are barely suitable for living.
Source of the main photo: Reuters