In pictures: Eighth sandstorm in two months envelops Iraq

Since mid-April, Iraq has gone through eight sandstorms, here seen in Baghdad on 16 May 2022, due to intense droughts and low rainfall believed to be linked to climate change (Reuters)

Monday's heavy sandstorm closed some state schools and offices, and halted flights at Baghdad International Airport (AFP)

In the capital and southern Iraqi cities, a red haze of dust and sand reduced visibility to just a few hundred feet (AFP)

The last sandstorm earlier this month led to the death of one person, while 5,000 others had to be hospitalised for respiratory problems. Here ambulance workers are pictured in Dhi Qar province (AFP)

Cyclists and pedestrians are seen crossing a bridge during Monday's sandstorm in Baghdad (Reuters)

Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to the climate crisis, according to the United Nations (Reuters)

In April, an environment ministry official warned that Iraq could face '272 days of dust' a year over the next two decades (Reuters)