Following a significant dust storm that hit Iraq and the Kurdistan Region on Sunday, more than 1,100 individuals sought medical attention, overloading hospitals with respiratory problems.

Although no fatalities occurred, the health ministry reported that 1,133 persons had respiratory problems.

The majority of instances, according to officials, were not serious, and patients received treatment and were soon discharged.

The provinces in southern and central Iraq were hardest hit, with Al-Muthanna Governorate recording the highest number of cases (576), followed by Najaf (300) and Baghdad (about 200).

Due to strong northwesterly winds that may reach speeds of up to 50 km/h, the Iraqi meteorological office issued a warning that dusty conditions are expected to continue, especially in central and southwestern districts.

There is a potential for sporadic thunderstorms in portions of the north and central regions, particularly overnight, while conditions are predicted to progressively improve during the day in other areas with less dust.