WEEKLONG SANDSTORM CAUSES DISRUPTIONS IN IRAQ

According to reports on 5 July 2009 Iraq has been affected by a severe sandstorm for the past week. The storm has caused flight delays at Baghdad's airport, and police officers have been deployed to direct traffic because of the low visibility. Many businesses have closed until conditions improve. Hundreds of people have suffered breathing problems because of the storm and have begun wearing masks in order to prevent sand inhalation