Another sandstorm turned the skies of Iraq orange on Monday, enveloping Baghdad in a thick cloud of dust.

Many other cities were also blanketed in dust and sand, and reduced visibility to 300 yards in some areas.

This is the eighth dust storm to hit the nation since mid-April, France 24 reports.

The sandstorm led to the closure of airports, schools, universities and public administration across the country.

Sandstorms have become more frequent in the Middle East.

Experts credit the overuse of river water, overgrazing and deforestation, among the causes for the rise in sandstorms.

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