Iraqi buffalo boys cool down with their herd near Baghdad - in pictures

  • Iraqi boys swim with a herd of buffalos in the Diyala River in the Faziliah district, east of Baghdad, amid extreme summer temperatures.
    Iraqi boys swim with a herd of buffalos in the Diyala River in the Faziliah district, east of Baghdad, amid extreme summer temperatures.
  • As Iraq bakes under a blistering summer heatwave, farmers and herders are battling severe water shortages.
    As Iraq bakes under a blistering summer heatwave, farmers and herders are battling severe water shortages.
  • The country's water shortages are killing animals, fields and way of life.
    The country's water shortages are killing animals, fields and way of life.
  • Iraqi boys swim with a herd of buffalos in Baghdad's Diyala River, a welcome break from the heat.
    Iraqi boys swim with a herd of buffalos in Baghdad's Diyala River, a welcome break from the heat.
  • Summer temperatures are hitting 50 degrees-plus in Iraq.
    Summer temperatures are hitting 50 degrees-plus in Iraq.
  • Keeping animals cool in the midday heat is no easy feat and regular bathing is required.
    Keeping animals cool in the midday heat is no easy feat and regular bathing is required.
  • While relatively well-off residents in the capital Baghdad can afford air-conditioning units, others have been struggling to escape the hot sun.
    While relatively well-off residents in the capital Baghdad can afford air-conditioning units, others have been struggling to escape the hot sun.
  • A herd of buffalo enjoy cool water amid the midday heat.
    A herd of buffalo enjoy cool water amid the midday heat.
  • Baghdad's farmers and herders are enduring one of the hottest summers, with temperatures rising year after year.
    Baghdad's farmers and herders are enduring one of the hottest summers, with temperatures rising year after year.
  • Temperatures in Iraq are increasing up to seven times faster than the global average, according to a 2017 study.
    Temperatures in Iraq are increasing up to seven times faster than the global average, according to a 2017 study.
  • Keeping animals cool is essential during the hot weather.
    Keeping animals cool is essential during the hot weather.
  • Many farmers and herders have lost animals and crops due to the blistering temperatures.
    Many farmers and herders have lost animals and crops due to the blistering temperatures.