Dust engulfs Kingdom, to ease off Wednesday

AMMAN — The effect of the sandstorm that hit the Kingdom on Tuesday will start dissipating on Wednesday while a rise in temperatures is forecast in the coming days, according to a meteorologist.

The sandstorm affected first the eastern part of the country on Tuesday, coming from the south of Syria and north of Iraq, Jordan Meteorological Department (JMD) forecaster Abdul Munem Qaralleh told The Jordan Times. 

At least 210 people were taken by Civil Defence Department staff to hospitals for suffering breathing difficulties due to the dusty weather, according to a source from the department.

The source said the department is urging the public to avoid very dusty roads and be extra careful when driving.

No flights were delayed, however.

Corporate Communications Director at the Queen Alia International Airport Zahiah Naasan said operations at the airport went as normal on Tuesday and no delays or diversions were recorded.

“We do not think the operations will be affected from now on as the weather forecasters say it will ease as of tonight,” she told The Jordan Times.

In a related development, the Education Ministry on Tuesday delegated directors of education departments across the Kingdom to decide whether to suspend classes in schools depending on the prevailing weather conditions.

On Tuesday, Public Security Department (PSD) personnel distributed water and protective masks to motorists and pedestrians in order to protect them from the effect of the dust in Amman, according to PSD Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi. 

“We gave masks and water in several parts of the capital and we will keep doing that as long as the dust is affecting the country,” he told The Jordan Times. 

Qaralleh noted that the effect of the sandstorm will end on Thursday. 

Temperatures, he said, are forecast to increase in the coming two days due to the effect of a seasonal depression originating from the Indian subcontinent. 

Temperatures in Amman will range between 38ºC and 26ºC on Wednesday while they will range between 38ºC and 25ºC on Thursday. 

Qaralleh said people are advised to remain hydrated while motorists should not leave their children in unventilated cars.

Many motorists, pedestrians and children were seen in the capital wearing masks for protection from the dust.