Huge sandstorm causes problems for thousands in Iraq

The sandstorm has caused visibility to become very difficult in some parts of Iraq

A huge sandstorm has been causing breathing difficulties and other problems for thousands of people in Iraq.

More than 1,000 people have been left with breathing problems according to reports from local health officials, after a sandstorm swept across parts of the country.

The sandstorm covered Iraq's central and southern regions with a thick, orange, dusty haze, with local media saying there have been power cuts and that some flights have been stopped.

In the south it has been reported that visibility has been reduced to less than one kilometre (0.62 mile), with local authorities taking to the streets to try to help.

People crossing the street during the sandstorm in Iraq's southern city of Basra

A photographer from news agency AFP, said police officers and people on the streets were wearing face masks to help protect themselves from breathing in the dust cloud.

Conditions in the country are expected to be slightly better by Wednesday, according to local weather services.

Iraq is listed by the UN as one of the five countries most vulnerable to climate change as it experiences regular sandstorms, very hot temperatures and low-levels of water.

A man wears a mask to help against the dust storm

After a really bad sandstorm hit Iraq in 2022, one person died and more than 5,000 needed treatment for breathing illnesses.

Iraq's environment minister said that the country will likely experience more "dust days" in the years to come.