Iraq's water reserves fall by nearly half - in pictures

  • A boy untangles a net as he stands fishing in an almost dried-up stream in Mishkhab, in Najaf province, Iraq, where years of drought have depleted the fauna and flora. All photos: AFP
    A boy untangles a net as he stands fishing in an almost dried-up stream in Mishkhab, in Najaf province, Iraq, where years of drought have depleted the fauna and flora. All photos: AFP
  • Ducks gather and a water buffalo cools down in a stream in Mishkhab, Iraq
    Ducks gather and a water buffalo cools down in a stream in Mishkhab, Iraq
  • Waterways in Mishkhab are more thoroughfares than sources of vital supplies as poor winter rains fail to replenish groundwater
    Waterways in Mishkhab are more thoroughfares than sources of vital supplies as poor winter rains fail to replenish groundwater
  • Children continued to play in the streams and rivers of Mishkhab despite nature's inability to provide them with adequate water
    Children continued to play in the streams and rivers of Mishkhab despite nature's inability to provide them with adequate water
  • As children who live by the rivers and streams of Mishkhab grow, so their natural heritage is depleted
    As children who live by the rivers and streams of Mishkhab grow, so their natural heritage is depleted
  • An almost dried-up stream flows between fields in Mishkhab, in Najaf province
    An almost dried-up stream flows between fields in Mishkhab, in Najaf province
  • Water buffalo cool down in a stream in Mishkhab
    Water buffalo cool down in a stream in Mishkhab