Deadly sandstorm engulfs Middle East leaving hundreds in hospital

A heavy sandstorm swept across parts of the Middle East on Tuesday, killing two people and hospitalizing hundreds in Lebanon and disrupting fighting and air strikes in neighboring Syria. Clouds of dust also engulfed Israel, Jordan and Cyprus where aircraft were diverted to Pathos from Larnaca airport as visibility fell to 500 meters. People across the region posted pictures online of huge clouds of billowing dust. Dust storms frequently hit the Middle East during the summer but usually concentrate on Iraq and Gulf region where clouds of sand are whipped up from arid areas.

We have had sandstorms before, but not of this intensity. It’s very rare for this time of year too and it’s covering the entire region.

A Cypriot metrological office official

Lebanon’s Health Ministry said two people had died as a result of the storm and 750 people had been hospitalised with breathing problems. Several people needed treatment for respiratory problems in Cyprus and authorities urged people to stay indoors as a thick blanket of dust enveloped the island. The dust was expected to start dissipating by Thursday, the Cypriot met office official said, but predicted it would take time before the situation returned to normal. Elderly, young, sick and pregnant people were told to stay inside where possible.

Middle East sandstorm