IRAQ REACHES TEMPERATURES OF 50C, STATE WORKERS GIVEN DAY OFF

Several provinces in Iraq have seen temperatures rising to above 50C. The country, known as being one of the hottest places on earth, has been caught in a heatwave since the middle of July. It’s been forecasted that the heatwave will continue.

Ten of the country’s provinces have given their state employees a day off. In the southern port of Basra, a four-day holiday has been announced for state employees. This is an area in the country where temperatures are particularly high.

Although many workers will be able to cool down at home, many people are not convinced that it’s the answer as regular power cuts mean no access to air conditioners or fans at home.

Besides the longer-than-usual and more intense heatwave due to human-induced climate change, dust storms have also increased this year.

These dust storms obstruct the sky and cause suspension of services.

The BBC reports that the world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to emissions. Iraq has been ranked as one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change in the Middle East by the United Nations.

Image credit: VOA News