In Pics | Baghdad chokes under blanket of dust as sandstorms sweep Iraq

Iraqis woke up to an ochre-coloured sky while a thick layer of orange dust covered the roads and buildings. The fifth sandstorm to engulf Iraq within a month, it has sent hundreds to hospitals for respiratory problems.

The sandstorms in Iraq have disrupted the daily lives of the people. Cities and towns are covered in orange dust and hundreds are hospitalised with respiratory problems. Credit: AFP Photo

For millions of people across Iraq, orange skies signalled yet another dusty day — the seventh such sandstorm in recent months. Credit: Reuters Photo

Although it is difficult to directly link individual weather events with climate change, experts say it is one driver behind sandstorms that are growing in frequency and intensifying. And climate change will likely compound the challenges ahead for a country such as Iraq, which is already facing water shortages after low rainfalls and increasing temperature. Credit: Reuters Photo

Many Iraqis were wearing masks to help filter the air, but more than 5,000 people were treated for respiratory problems and one person died, according to Iraq’s health ministry. Credit: Reuters Photo

The affected areas spanned Anbar in the west and the central region of Najaf, according to the Iraqi News Agency. Officials cautioned people to stay indoors and to seek treatment for breathing difficulties. Credit: AFP Photo

Visuals from Baghdad shared by the United Nations showed empty streets and poor visibility. Credit: Reuters Photo

Visibility was so poor that flights from the Baghdad and Najaf airports had to be grounded. Credit: AFP Photo

The 17 Ramadan mosque in the Iraqi capital Baghdad is seen enveloped in the severe sandstorm. Credit: AFP Photo

An aerial picture shows a view of Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah during a heavy sandstorm on May 5, 2022. Credit: AFP Photo