Iraq’s Habbaniyah (AFP) – Mohamed, an Iraqi businessman, has never experienced such a depressing tourist season: years of drought have reduced the gorgeous Lake Habbaniyah, driving away tourists who used to swarm there in the summer.

Mohamed, 35, who asked to only be named by his first name, stated that there had been activity during the previous two years but that there was no longer any water. In front of his lakefront business, he set out inflatable water floats, nets, and shirts, but he didn’t anticipate many customers.

It’s very dry this year. Mohamed spoke to AFP while drenched in perspiration from the oppressive heat of around 50 degrees Celsius (120 degrees Fahrenheit).