Sandstorm hits Doha; another dusty day Saturday, 04 June 2011 02:58

DOHA: The strong dust winds that the country experienced yesterday are expected to continue today, as a result of the massive sandstorm which struck Southern Iraq and Kuwait , according to the Meteorology Department.

“These winds will continue today but with less effect,” said an official of the forecast and analysis section at the meteorological department.

“This is due to the high pressure over southern Iraq and Kuwait. The northwestern wind has brought the dust storm to the country,” he further said.

The official also explained that the strong dust winds are likely to hit all open areas of the country creating low visibility.

Many areas of the country were badly hit by strong dust winds, especially in the evening, yesterday.

Roads of Doha and its adjoining areas were completely clogged with dust by last evening. The sandstorm, which was followed by light precipitation dropped visibility in some parts of the city, forcing the people to remain indoors.

“Surprisingly, the streets are empty even it is Friday. I guess the sandstorm has something to do with,” said a tweet of Doha resident.

“The roads were invisible while I was driving from the Madinat Khalifa in the afternoon,” said an employee in Doha.

Another resident of the Al Duhail area said, “Usually our area gets hit by the sand winds and last afternoon was extremely bad.”

While, many people allergetic to dust and asthmatic patients have been affected by the sand winds and they have been advised by the health experts to take proper precautions.

“We stepped out of the house only to get into the car but the heat and dust were very strong and my four-year-old daughter has developed a cough” said a house wife.

However, some enthusiastic cricket players in Doha braved the dust storm. Many of them were seen playing despite of the heat and dust in different places of the city.

The weather forecast report released by the Department of Metrology for today warns of low visibility and high temperature with dust haze and some clouds.

Reports also said that the a dense sandstorm has hit Baghdad, clogging people’s throats, blocking their vision and sending many Iraqis, particularly asthma sufferers, to the hospital.

In early March also the high pressure resulted north-western wind over the northern part of the gulf which hit Kuwait has created strong dust winds. The Peninsula

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