Baghdad: A sandstorm has swept Iraq and hospitalized more than 3,700 people with respiratory problems, the Health Ministry said on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, at least 3,747 people have so far been admitted to hospitals in Baghdad and other provinces since Monday, as reported by ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr to the state news agency INA.

The highest number of cases were reported in Baghdad, with at least 1,014 people admitted to hospitals, and al-Muthanna with 874 cases in southern Iraq. The spokesman mentioned that most of the cases recovered and were discharged.

No deaths were reported in the sandstorm, and Badr confirmed, "We have not faced any problems in providing medicines, medical supplies, or oxygen."

Sandstorms are common in Iraq, but experts believe they are becoming more frequent due to climate change. According to the United Nations Global Environment Outlook, Iraq is the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change.