New sandstorm grounds flights in Iraqi capital

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraq temporarily suspended flights from Baghdad airport on Monday due to a new dust storm.

A statement by Baghdad airport said weather conditions in the Iraqi capital forced airport authorities to halt air traffic.

Monday’s dust storm is the tenth in Iraq since mid-April, which has been battered by soil degradation, intense droughts and low rainfall linked to climate change.

Last month, an Iraqi citizen died in a sandstorm, while thousands suffered respiratory problems.

Writing by Ahmed Asmar