Powerful Sandstorm Engulfs Libya, Turning Skies Orange and Creating Mars-Like Conditions

On April 25, 2024, a powerful sandstorm swept through eastern Libya, turning the skies a dark red color and creating Mars-like conditions in the region. The storm, originating from the Sahara Desert, hindered air traffic and led to the closure of government offices and schools in the affected areas, including the cities of Derna, Tobruk, and Benghazi.

Local residents Alshare Elehaari and Omar Jamal described the storm's intensity, stating that it started around 5:00 am local time, making it difficult to breathe and turning the sky and city completely red. "The storm lasted for a very long time," Jamal said, adding that many flights were cancelled due to the heavy storm.

The impact of the sandstorm extended across the Mediterranean to southern Greece, where the skies took on a dark orange color and the Acropolis and other landmarks in Athens were covered in red sand, giving the city an otherworldly appearance.

Authorities in eastern Libya declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays due to the bad weather conditions. The sandstorm caused poor visibility, leading to the suspension of flights at the Benghazi and Tobruk airports. A state of alert was declared in Derna, where a flood had swept through the city last September.

Why this matters: The powerful sandstorm functions as a sobering reminder of the far-reaching effects of extreme weather events and the vulnerability of regions like Libya, which is still recovering from years of war and instability. The storm's impact on air traffic and daily life emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness in the face of such natural phenomena.

The sandstorm is described as one of the most serious episodes of dust and sand concentrations from the Sahara desert since March 2018, when similar clouds invaded the island of Crete in Greece. Authorities warn that the dust concentrations can reduce sunlight and visibility, while also increasing fine pollution particles, posing risks for people with underlying health problems. The Sahara desert releases 60 to 200 million tonnes of mineral dust per year, with the smallest particles capable of traveling thousands of kilometers and potentially reaching all of Europe.

Key Takeaways

• Powerful sandstorm swept through eastern Libya, creating Mars-like conditions.
• Storm impacted air traffic, closed government offices, and schools in affected areas.
• Storm's effects extended to southern Greece, covering Athens in red sand.
• Authorities declared public holidays due to poor visibility and weather conditions.
• Sahara desert releases 60-200 million tonnes of dust annually, posing health risks.