Dust storms forecast in Oman at the weekend

Weather warning comes as Iraq 'suffocates' under blanket of sand and dust

A dust storm in Oman in March. More are forecast for this weekend. Photo: Getty

Oman residents have been warned to expect dust storms at the weekend, by the country's General Directorate of Meteorology.

The directorate said south-easterly winds could whip up sand and dust in open areas in some parts of the sultanate, while the Arabian Sea will be choppy.

This weather warning comes as Iraq “suffocates” under repeated dust storms.

The most recent one led more than more than 1,000 people being admitted to hospital — many with breathing problems — and resulted in one person dying.

Sand and dust blanketed roads and forced airports to close.

Iraq is prone to seasonal sandstorms but experts and officials say they are becoming more frequent, exacerbated by record low rainfall, desertification and climate change.

Dust storms hit Iraq – in pictures

An aerial view of Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah during a heavy sandstorm. AFP

Imam Ali shrine in Najaf. Iraq awoke to its fifth sandstorm within a month on Thursday. AFP

Hundreds of Iraqis with respiratory problems were admitted to hospital as a result of the sandstorm. AP

Authorities urged Iraqis to stay indoors. AP

Flights were suspended for several hours on Thursday. AP

Hospitals struggled to cope with the influx of patients with respiratory problems. AP

Recent sandstorms have turned the skies over Iraq orange and coated cities with dust. AFP

Iraqis pray at the Imam Ali shrine during the sandstorm. AFP

Iraq is prone to seasonal sandstorms but experts are worried about their increasing frequency in recent years. AFP

Dust fills the air during a sandstorm in Baghdad. AFP

A deserted road during a spring sandstorm in Baghdad. AFP

Traffic was light because of the poor visibility. AFP

More poor visibility during a sandstorm in the city of Nasiriyah in Dhi Qar province, Iraq. AFP

Drivers were forced to slow down in Nasiriyah. AFP

Cars on a road as a sandstorm hits Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters

The area is prone to sandstorms, which can reduce visibility to a few hundred metres. Reuters

Sandstorms often lead to all flights from Baghdad being cancelled. Reuters

The sandstorms can cause breathing difficulties for residents. Reuters

Iraq's Meteorological Authority this week said the country was under a North African depression, known locally as ‘khamaseen’. Reuters

The sandstorm turns the Baghdad sky orange. Reuters