Dust storm warning issued for Wasit and southern Iraq

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi meteorologist Sadek Atia warned that dust clouds will affect desert areas and outer roads in southern Iraqi cities and Wasit province on Wednesday and Thursday. Atia said in a statement on Facebook that northwesterly surface winds are forecast to reach about 45 kilometers per hour, stirring up dust and reducing visibility. The advisory comes as Iraq continues to face frequent dust and sand storms. According to the Iraqi Strategic Center for Human Rights, the country absorbs roughly 2 billion tons of dust and sand each year, making it one of the states most affected by such events in the region. The center said in a statement in mid-July that at least 25% of global dust emissions stem directly or indirectly from human activity. It attributed the worsening conditions to climate change, expanding desertification, declining vegetation and shortages of water resources.