Fierce sandstorm chokes Iraqi capital

A powerful sandstorm choked the Iraqi capital on Thursday, sending dozens of people to hospital with respiratory problems and halting flights at Baghdad airport.

Flights were halted due to extremely low visibility.Many senior citizens and asthma sufferers were admitted to hospitals due to breathing difficulties.Health workers said patients suffering from shortness of breath and other respiratory problems were receiving treatment inside the hospital.Sandstorms are becoming more frequent in Iraq due to drought and climate change.Within only a month, several sandstorms have hit the country.Temperatures fell on Thursday to about 27 degrees Celsius.