Effects of Sahara Dust Storm in Greek Cities
Recently, a rare haze enveloped the Greek capital city of Athens, turning the city orange due to a Sahara dust storm. Along with Athens, several other Greek cities experienced reduced visibility and increased levels of pollution particles.
Impact on Athens and Other Cities
Greek authorities warned about the potential health risks posed by the dust concentrations. The orange haze not only covered Athens but also spread to other regions of the country, creating a yellow-orange haze and prompting concerns about breathing risks.
Severity of the Sandstorm
Officials reported that this sandstorm is one of the worst to hit Greece since 2018. Strong winds from the south carried the dust particles, causing limited visibility and creating challenging conditions for residents.
Travel of Sahara Dust Clouds to Europe
Every year, the Sahara releases millions of tonnes of mineral dust, with smaller particles capable of traveling long distances. In late March and early April, Greece, southern France, and Switzerland were affected by Sahara dust clouds, highlighting the global reach of these particles.
Response and Containment Efforts
Authorities in Greece have been monitoring the situation closely and providing updates on the weather conditions. Despite unseasonal early wildfires being fanned by strong winds, firefighters have been swift in containing the blazes and preventing significant damage.
Arrests Made in Connection with Wildfires
Police arrested individuals suspected of accidentally starting wildfires on the island of Paros, demonstrating the importance of fire safety measures during such challenging environmental conditions.
