Dozens hospitalized after sandstorm hits Baghdad

A heavy sandstorm blanketed Baghdad on Wednesday, putting dozens of people in the hospitals struggling with breathing problems. Most of those admitted to hospitals were senior citizens and people with asthma.  People who came to the hospital were complaining about shortness of breath and other respiratory issues. A statement by Baghdad Airport's authority said that all flights to Baghdad were suspended until further notice. It said visibility was reduced to less than 500 meters and also temperatures went up to 30 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Sandstorms are a regular occurrence in Baghdad, which is shielded from the desert by a thin strip of arable land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.