A warning for a dust cloud is issued by Portugal which will engulf the country in the coming days. The origin of this air is reported to be from North Africa. The regions around North Africa experienced dust clouds in the previous few weeks. Now, the clouds are headed towards Portugal.
Dust Clouds Heading Towards Portugal
These dust clouds will start arriving in Portugal today. They are reported to stay around for a few days over the central, southern, and western parts of the country. The Directorate General (DG) for Health has instructed citizens to take extra precautions in the coming days.
Lisbon, Alentejo, and Algarve are the major cities that will be affected by this dust cloud. The official statement by the Directorate General can be read as follows:
A situation of poor air quality is expected to occur on the continent, with an increase in the concentrations of inhalable particles of natural origin in the air, affecting the regions of the North, Centre, Lisbon, and Tagus Valley, Alentejo and Algarve.
The DG has suggested to stay indoors and avoid contact with the dust cloud. It contains suspended dust particles that can prove to be harmful to human beings. The most severe regions to be affected by the dust cloud will be places where the population of children and elderly are residing. This is due to the weak immune systems of both children and the elderly.
Citizens should avoid smoking cigarettes to avoid any exposure to irritants. Apart from children and elderly people, those who are facing health or respiratory issues should also stay inside. The best way is to lock all the windows and doors. People can continue their treatments for any respiratory issues and in case of any worsening situations or extreme symptoms, they should contact the helpline. A Saude 24 Helpline is set up for the people to contact in case of any emergencies.
Origin of Dust Cloud Portugal
The dust storm that started from the Sahara Desert is now entering eastern and southern Europe. Greece and Malta have already suffered from this dust storm late in March and now the storm is heading towards Portugal. These two countries are still being affected quite badly by the effects of the dust storm.
The Greece National Director of Meteorological Center, Theodoros Kolydas has instructed the citizens that these dust clouds will be cleared in the upcoming days. The wind will change the direction of the dust clouds towards the eastern side of Europe. The official statement given by Theodoros Kolydas can be read as follows:
The dust has even reached the Baltic today while covering a large part of Central and Eastern Europe. One Greece resident described the thick air caused by the phenomenon, saying: “It’s like the air is full of custard powder.
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