By Duane Dizon and Abigail Basa
Eagle News Service Qatar
DOHA, Qatar (Eagle News) — Parts of Qatar have been swept by a sudden dust storm on Wednesday afternoon (August 24) causing reduced visibility and astonishment among residents.
Strong winds and light rains followed the dusty conditions across the country. The Qatar Meteorology Department (MET) explained that the sudden weather disruption was caused by temporary, strong downdraft winds resulting from thunder cells in the north.
The local weather authority advised residents to drive safely and stay indoors. Those caught in the open reported the emergency on social media where the posts were about how sudden and intense the sandstorm was. One resident described the weather event as ‘blanketing an entire area as far as the eye can see.’
The mass of earthen debris filled buildings, cars, and roads with sand, dirt, and dust, prompting local weather authorities to urge the public to caution and prepare. Visibility was reduced to 2kms or less, according to the weather report.
Dust storms in Qatar and in the Middle East are a relatively uncommon event. Local health authorities advise residents to protect their respiratory tract by covering the nose and mouth with a mask or a dampened cloth to stop dust particles from directly entering the body.
Depending on the severity of the sand storm, drivers are cautioned to get off the road. Traffic authorities advise drivers to turn off all emergency vehicle lights to avoid attracting and confusing other drivers on the direction of the road.
