Sandstorm sweeps through parts of Iraqi capital

A sandstorm swept into many parts of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on Monday.  More than nine sandstorms have hit Iraq since April. Police officers were seen controlling a slow traffic as visibility was reduced in the city.

Some people were admitted to hospitals struggling with severe breathing difficulties and at least one person died last month. Dust storms are a seasonal occurrence in Iraq but their frequency this year has alarmed experts who blame drought, rapid desertification and climate change.