Severe dust storm engulfs parts of Iraq

Major dust storms hit large parts of Iraq, including the capital Baghdad, on May 1 and 2, 2022, turning the skies over the country orange.

The storm that hit Baghdad on May 1 is described as one of the strongest in recent decades.

Visibility in many parts of the country was dropped to less than 500 m (1 640 feet), grounding flights at Baghdad and Najaf airports.

At least 63 people in Najaf suffering from respiratory were admitted to hospitals and another 30 in the province of Anbar.

Last month, Iraq experienced a series of dust storms, grounding flights and causing dozens of people to seek medical assistance.