Baghdad was shrouded in thick, dusty haze on Monday 23 April, when a sandstorm hit the Iraqi capital.

Extreme rain shortage amidst a global climate crisis has seen Baghdad exposed to regular sand storms this month, each one worse than the last.

Visibility was reduced to less than 10-20 metres in the city centre at times.

Extreme rain shortage amidst a global climate crisis has seen Baghdad exposed to regular sand storms this month. Each one worst than the last with vision being reduced to less than 10-20 metres in the city centre at times.

The latest storm saw the government announcing a national holiday following the severe weather warnings.

Motorists and people with pre-existing breathing conditions have been advised to take caution and only leave their homes where absolutely necessary.