Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period
… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).
… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)
… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)
… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)
Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor.

Five killed as giant dust storm sweeps through southern Iraq. Video shows huge cloud of dust descending on city of Najaf

Chiara Giordano. The Independent. May 1, 2019

Five people have died after a deadly dust storm hit southern Iraq.

More than 60 people were also injured after the storm swept through several cities on Monday.

A video filmed in Najaf, where local media reported one person had died, shows a huge sand-coloured cloud slowly descending on the city.

Photos and video footage shared on social media show extensive damage to buildings and cars crushed by the storm.

Victims are said to have suffered from injuries including suffocation and wounds caused by falling debris.

The storm is thought to have hit Baghdad, Diyala, Babil and Anbar before reaching its deadliest intensity as it swept through Karbala and Najaf.

Iraq is one of the Middle East countries worst affected by dust and sand storms.

Dozens of people were also killed when floods and heavy rain swept across four countries, including Iraq, last month.