ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A massive dust storm has enveloped Kirkuk since Thursday, sending more than 180 people to hospital with breathing difficulties. The worst of the storm was on Thursday evening with at least 155 people hospitalized, Saman Yaba, spokesperson for Kirkuk health directorate, told Rudaw's Hardi Mohammed on Friday. Another 33 people were hospitalized on Friday morning. "All the patients have received necessary medical care," said Yaba. Dust storms are not uncommon in Iraq but are becoming more frequent due to drought, desertification, and rising temperatures. Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate change. Mismanagement of water resources and dams in upstream countries reducing the flow of water in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are also contributing factors. A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) representative last month predicted Iraq will be plagued by sandstorms this summer after dozens of storms last year, and said urgent action is needed to combat environmental devastation. The number of dusty days in Iraq has increased from 243 to 272 days per year over the past two decades, the environment ministry said last year. By 2050, that number is expected to reach 300.
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