Several dust storms have hit Iraq in recent weeks, turning the skies orange and disrupting lives. Scientists say climate change may be a driving force.
Among other things, the weather conditions have disrupted pilgrimage trips to the country’s holy cities, according to the website of the Astan (custodianship) of Imam Hussein (AS) holy shrine.
Flights to Najaf have been cancelled several times due to poor weather, leaving pilgrims stranded.
Dust and sandstorms have always occurred in Western Asia but they have grown more frequent and intense in recent years.
Every year, millions of pilgrims from Iraq and other countries visit the holy mausoleums of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf and Imam Hussein (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) in Karbala.