New sandstorm in Iraq – airports closed

Airports and public buildings have closed in Iraq since a new sandstorm hit the country.

The storm is the ninth since mid-April and the storms have forced thousands to seek care.

The capital Baghdad has been shrouded in a giant sand cloud, which has left the usually bumpy streets largely abandoned, reports AFP’s correspondent.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi has ordered that all public work be suspended. Exceptions are made for healthcare facilities and security agencies, in what he describes as “poor climatic conditions and oncoming violent sandstorms”, according to a statement from his office.

Flights have been canceled from the international airports of Baghdad, Erbil (Arbil) and Najaf.

Iraq is ranked as one of the world’s five most vulnerable countries in terms of climate change and desertification. The Ministry of the Environment warns that Iraq, for the next 20 years, may be exposed to sandstorms on average 272 days a year. In 2050, the number will rise to over 300 days.

The previous two sandstorms killed one person and forced around 10,000 people in the country to visit hospitals with breathing problems.

The Middle East has always been hit by sandstorms, but they have become more common and stronger in recent years. The trend has been associated with an increasing water shortage, overuse of river water, more dams, overgrazing and deforestation.