Baghdad Streets Covered in Sand as Powerful Dust Storm Hits Iraq

The streets of Baghdad were covered in sand on Monday, May, 16, following a powerful dust storm that suspended flights in the Iraqi capital and forced schools and offices in the area to close.

According to local reports, 2,000 cases of suffocation were reported by the Iraqi Ministry of Health due to the dust storm.

Earlier that day, the Ministry of Health had instructed health departments across the country to prepare to deal with emergency cases as a result of the dust storms.

This footage, captured by a United Nations public information officer, shows scenes in Baghdad on Monday morning. Credit: UN Iraq via Storyful

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