A Dust Storm from the Sahara Hits Crete: Strong Winds and Tornadoes Cause Damage

The Greek island of Crete has been engulfed by a suffocating dust storm originating from the Sahara, accompanied by strong winds and tornadoes. The sky over the island has taken on a haunting red-orange hue, raising concerns among locals and tourists, according to the Daily Mail.

As a result of the storm, chaos has erupted in the transport sector, as thick African dust has severely limited visibility, leading to the cancellation of flights. Issues also arose at the main airport in Heraklion, where incoming flights were disrupted. At least two flights were forced to change course after visibility dropped to approximately 1,000 meters, a dangerously low level for landing.

Air traffic over the island continues to operate intermittently, as a dense cloud of dust lingers over Crete, causing delays and disruptions at airports. Meteorologists are warning of further deterioration in weather conditions, which could lead to new difficulties for passengers and airlines.

In addition, a powerful tornado overturned a truck in the coastal area of Pachia Ammos while it was preparing to load agricultural products. Strong winds and the tornado uprooted trees, damaged greenhouses, and caused part of a wall at a ceramics factory to collapse. These events highlight the severe impact of the elements on local infrastructure and the economy.

Air quality indicators have plummeted to a level classified as 'very poor.' Meteorologists report that dust levels in the atmosphere have risen to over 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, an extremely high concentration. It is expected that the situation will improve somewhat later in the day, but for now, locals and tourists are forced to take precautions due to the deteriorating air quality.

This situation recalls similar occurrences in the past. In September 2024, Ukraine was also hit by a dust storm that caused a serious deterioration in air quality in the eastern and northeastern regions. The Sumy Hydrometeorological Center confirmed that the cause was the transport of dust and smog, particularly from the territory of the Russian Federation. These events underscore the global nature of the problem associated with dust storms, which can have serious implications for human health and the environment.