The serene skies above Athens were transformed into an otherworldly orange hue on Tuesday as clouds of dust from the Sahara Desert swept across the Mediterranean Sea. The Acropolis and other iconic landmarks were engulfed in a thick layer of dust, creating an eerie spectacle that captivated locals and tourists alike. Social media was flooded with images of the surreal orange-tinted city, capturing the astonishment and awe of those who witnessed the phenomenon.
The dust storm originated from the Sahara Desert, carried by strong southerly winds. It blanketed Athens in a thick orange haze, giving the Greek capital an ethereal, almost Martian-like atmosphere. The dust particles, suspended in the air, created a hazy glow, transforming the familiar landscape into an otherworldly scene.
While the dust storm provided a visually stunning spectacle, it also raised concerns. The strong southerly winds that carried the dust also fanned unseasonal wildfires in the country’s south. The fire service reported a total of 25 wildfires breaking out across the country in the past 24 hours. Authorities quickly contained a blaze on the Aegean Sea resort island of Paros, arresting three individuals suspected of accidentally starting the fire. Another blaze near a naval base on Crete was also brought under control.
Greece is no stranger to wildfires, particularly during the summer months. Persistent drought and high spring temperatures have raised fears of a particularly challenging wildfire season this year. To combat this threat, Greece has initiated a 2.1 billion euro program to upgrade its water tanker fleet and create an AI-driven sensor network for early smoke detection. However, the delivery of new equipment is not expected until next year, leaving planners to seek alternative measures to minimize response times and mitigate the risks posed by wildfires.
