A thick layer of Saharan sand has settled over the Temple of Apollo and other iconic landmarks in Athens, Greece, after a powerful sandstorm swept across the country. The strong winds carried vast amounts of dust from North Africa, turning the skies red and reducing visibility. According to experts, this is one of the most severe dust events since 2018, with up to 200 million tonnes of mineral dust produced by the Sahara each year. The dust particles not only obstruct sunlight and visibility but also increase air pollution and make breathing difficult. The intense heat accompanying the storm has also triggered numerous wildfires across Greece, but thankfully no injuries have been reported. The dust plume is expected to clear on Wednesday as winds shift, bringing cooler temperatures. Similar sandstorms have affected other parts of Europe, including the Canary Islands and the United Kingdom, where health concerns have been raised due to the potential impact on vulnerable individuals with respiratory conditions.
Sahara Sandstorm Blankets Athens, Reddening Skies and Triggering Wildfires
