Dust storm sweeps Bahrain, several events cancelled, rain expected today
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
An enormous dust storm swept across Bahrain yesterday, darkening the skies, fluctuating the temperatures violently and dropping horizontal visibility to dangerously low levels.
Warning from the Meteorological departments had said that Bahrain was experiencing a wave of a dust storm, which covered large areas of the Arabian Peninsula. The conditions, the Met office said, could reduce the visibility to less than 1000m.
Temperatures in the Kingdom, the met data showed, fluctuated violently, with the temperature hitting as high as 34 Degree Celsius and then dropping down to 21 degree celsius in a matter of two hours.
The atmosphere also witnessed the sudden intrusion of northerly wind packed with dust, causing a low level of horizontal visibility, strong enough even to mask skyscrapers from view. Meteorological Department said they spotted rain clouds forming in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia, which would bring scattered rain today in Bahrain.
The Meteorology Department also called on citizens to remain cautious. Meanwhile, low visibility forced authorities here to cancel Formula 2’s final pre-season test session at Bahrain as the sandstorm hit the desert-based circuit yesterday afternoon.
The storm, however, failed to interrupt Formula 3 sessions, which got going and completed at 5 pm.
Hussain Al Jassmi’s concert today
Spring of Culture, in a statement, said they had rescheduled the concert of Hussain Al Jassmi at Al Dana Amphitheatre to ensure the safety of all.
The performance will happen today at the same venue, and ticket holders can reuse them to enjoy the show. Al Dana Theatre said those unable to attend today’s concert could contact them on e-mail: info@aldana.com.bh.
Arabic classic film night postponed
The Spring of Culture also tweeted postponing yesterday’s Arabic classic film night: “Between Heaven and Earth”.
A new date is not announced. Another event that got hit by the dust was the opening ceremony of the Indian Overseas Community interstate cricket championship at Al Bisaiteen Club ground.
Organisers said they are postponing the event, which was to be opened by Dr Sam Pitroda.
Health risks
Experts have pointed out that while the economic cost of dust storms can be extensive, they can pose a range of health risks to people.
Reduced visibility often causes increases in traffic accidents. Inhaling dust can cause or exacerbate respiratory health problems. Dust is also known to sometimes carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses capable of spreading disease.
Dust storm hits airport, ops stopped for an hour and a half
Heavy dust affected air traffic at Bahrain International Airport, the Civil Aviation Affairs at the Ministry of Transport and Communications said.
“This resulted in the airport cancelling take-off and landing operations for an hour and a half,” the statement said. The airport resumed normal operations as horizontal visibility at the runway improved.
Formula 2’s final pre-season test session cancelled
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