Riders of the storms attempt to turn the tide of sand dunes

Samawah - Deep in Iraq's southern desert, bulldozers and earthmovers spread layers of moist clay over sand dunes as part of a broader effort to fight increasingly frequent sandstorms.

- 

SEEDS OF HOPE. An engineer inspects the soil during a newly launched project, focusing on treating sand dunes before planting, in a bid to curb one of Iraq's most destructive climatic phenomena. Picture: AFP

(AFP)

Iraq has long suffered from sand and dust storms but in recent years, they have become more frequent and intense as the country falls prey to the effects of climate change.

Sand and dust storms, driven by severe drought, rising temperatures and deforestation, have cloaked cities and villages in an endless ochre haze, grounded flights and filled hospitals with patients suffering from breathing difficulties.

Iraqi officials have warned that these suffocating storms will intensify further, adding urgency to address the root of the problem.