| In order to escape the heat, some men leapt into the Tigris River, while others stood beneath a public shower set up in a main street in central Baghdad to cool themselves off. A resident said, "Temperature is high and it is summer and temperature in our summer is above 50 degree Celsius. If we have electricity in a normal and an organized way, no one will risk and come to river. River is full of stones and dirt, but what can we do, we have to come because there is no electricity" large number of people said they have been forced to break their Ramadan fasts, as the holy month has fallen this year during an exceptionally hot summer. Shop owner Laith Al-Saidi said,"Temperature is too high and there is no electricity and no running water and most of the shops are closed because of the heat. The Baghdad city council has issued strict orders for restaurants to shut down completely for the month of Ramadan and banning public eating during daylight hours. But people are still seen crowding restaurants in the capital Baghdad, providing a highly unusual sight for any predominantly Muslim city during the holy fasting month. This year, with Ramadan coinciding with the peak of summer, many in the region are fasting for around 14 hours a day until sunset. Speakers: Iraqi resident Voices: Tony Mezeraani By: Ikram Al Yacoub Al Arabiya with Agencies |
