A large dust cloud from the Sahara Desert swept across Athens and the southern region of Greece on Tuesday evening, casting an eerie orange and red hue over the area. Carried by strong winds, the dust traveled hundreds of miles from Africa, creating a thick haze that obscured visibility and raised concerns about wildfires. As winds are expected to ease on Wednesday, the dust is anticipated to clear, according to local media reports.
Tourists on the Greek island of Crete participated in a mock earthquake drill, unaware that it was a simulation. The drill, named ‘Minoas’ after the mythical Cretan Bronze Age king, involved evacuations and first aid simulations. The exercise aimed to prepare for real earthquakes, as Greece is located on multiple fault lines and has a history of seismic activity. The drill comes just days after a real quake measuring 3.8 hit the island’s southwestern coast. Despite Greece’s vulnerability to earthquakes, tremors have not caused severe fatalities or damage since a strong quake killed 143 people near Athens in 1999. However, the country has faced other emergencies in recent years, including wildfires and floods.
A massive dust storm originating from Africa has enveloped Athens and other Greek cities, casting a yellow-orange hue over the sky. Meteorological experts predict that the storm will bring mud rains to the country’s northern and western regions, while elevated spring temperatures will amplify its impact. The winds are expected to shift westward on Wednesday, leading to reduced dust levels. The storm poses potential health risks, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions, prompting doctors to issue warnings about increased exposure risks. In Libya, the Sahara sandstorm resulted in the suspension of air traffic on Monday and Tuesday, with winds reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h, according to the Libya Observer.
A thick layer of dust from the Sahara desert has descended upon parts of Greece, creating stunning dreamlike scenes and prompting health warnings. The dust, which is a yellow-orange hue, has reduced visibility and raised concerns about respiratory issues. Authorities in Greece and Cyprus have issued health advisories, urging people to take precautions. The dust is expected to gradually dissipate over the next few days.
Southern Greece is facing an influx of Saharan dust, turning the skies orange and triggering early wildfires. Strong southerly winds have transported the dust from North Africa, creating a surreal Martian-like atmosphere over Athens. Temperatures remain elevated in the south, reaching 30 degrees Celsius, while the north experiences cooler conditions. The wildfires, fanned by strong winds, have led to arrests on the island of Paros and control efforts near a naval base in Crete. Concerns are rising about a potentially challenging fire season due to persistent drought and high temperatures.
Southern Greece has been experiencing a surreal scene as orange skies enveloped the Acropolis and other Athens landmarks due to dust clouds from North Africa. This Martian-like atmosphere is expected to clear on Wednesday as winds shift, bringing cooler temperatures. Strong southerly winds have fueled early wildfires in the country’s south, leading to 25 outbreaks in the past 24 hours. Three arrests have been made on the island of Paros for accidentally starting a blaze. Fortunately, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. However, concerns remain about potential challenges for firefighters in the coming months due to the persistent drought and high spring temperatures.
