An eerie, apocalyptic-like scene has befallen Greece with all-encompassing African dust sweeping across the nation. This was caught on camera plenty of times, and meteorologists have warned the phenomenon will be worsening today and continue into tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday, April 24th.
The high concentrations of dust are evident in Attica, with the atmosphere being almost suffocating over the last few hours. The phenomenon is expected to phase out by tomorrow noon. However, record concentrations have already been recorded on Crete as well as the Peloponnese.
There has been an increase in the number of patients with respiratory problems in hospitals, while pulmonologists are recommending caution and limited movement for vulnerable groups.
The ominous, dust-ridden scene in Greece was also highlighted in a post by the meteorologist Kostas Lagouvardou on Facebook. Lagouvardou uploaded a photo from the Observatory of Penteli accompanied by the words “Our colony on Mars.”
As is visible in photos and videos from Attica, an orange veil encompasses the basin, with the area around the Parliament and Acropolis also covered in African dust.
Photos and videos of African dust encompassing Greece can be seen below:
Orange apocalyptic skies #athens #africandust pic.twitter.com/0J5n0JwzX3
— 𝕬𝖈𝖐𝖊𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖓 (@acekmnn) April 23, 2024
Orange skies over #athens – #africandust pic.twitter.com/gZAcWLcfuA
— Can Inelli (@inelli) April 23, 2024
WATCH: Saharan dust turning the sky of Athens, Greece completely orange pic.twitter.com/OoCB8h4Vq3
— Quick News Alerts (@QuickNewsAlerts) April 23, 2024
Athens' Acropolis today. Sahara desert dust has turned the sky orange. Blade Runner 2049 effect. pic.twitter.com/NZZL6Bj69L
— Georgios Steiris (@gsteiris) April 23, 2024
Here’s another look at the Acropolis under the Sahara dust cloud moments ago.#Greece pic.twitter.com/rKEvEypc1S
— Derek Gatopoulos (@dgatopoulos) April 23, 2024
🚨New: The Saharan duststorm is turning the sky of Athens, Greece into a vibrant orange.pic.twitter.com/9iXo8nBF00
— The Calvin Coolidge Project (@TheCalvinCooli1) April 23, 2024
The situation in Messinia and particularly in the city of Kalamata is reportedly very bad, along with Ilia, at the port of Katakolo, on the beach of Karouta and in the area of Zaharos. Chania is also covered in red fog.
This natural dust phenomenon can have significant effects on the health of those living in Greece, primarily through the degradation of air quality, reports the Hellenic Pulmonology Association (EPE).
The organization highlights that African dust carried particles in a variety of sizes, such as PM10, PM2.5 and even smaller, and can also draw in pollutants from the atmosphere. A rise on certain particulates in the atmosphere can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and allergies.
People with pre-existing respiratory conditions are especially vulnerable during periods of increased dust concentrations, which is also reflected in increased hospital admissions. Special attention should be paid to residents of urban centers and areas with already low air quality.
Effect on the respiratory system
One of the main adverse health effects of African dust is its influence over respiratory health. Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and in some cases enter the bloodstream.
For those with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to these particles can exacerbate symptoms, resulting in shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort.
Some things to do to protect your health include staying informed, limiting outdoor activity, closing windows and doors, using masks, and staying hydrated.
Asthma patients may need to increase the dosage or frequency of their medications.
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