Orange fog covers Athens, what’s the cause?

#Orange #fog #covers #Athens #whats

Jakarta –

An orange haze – which is actually a cloud of dust blowing from the Sahara Desert – covers the city of Athens, Greece.

The dust cloud is one of the worst episodes to hit Greece since 2018, according to officials.

Greece had been hit by similar clouds in late March and early April, which also covered areas of Switzerland and southern France.

Due to the orange haze, air quality has worsened in many regions of Greece. In fact, on Wednesday (24/04), the ancient city of Acropolis in Athens was invisible.

Many Greek citizens have had their health affected by inhaling dust clouds.

The government is encouraging residents suffering from respiratory illnesses to limit outdoor activities and wear protective masks until the orange haze dissipates.

Although the orange haze in Athens looks beautiful, the dust cloud is causing many Greeks to experience respiratory problems. (Getty Images)

The Sahara Desert releases 60 to 200 million tons of mineral dust per year.

Most of the dust quickly lands, but some small particles can travel great distances, sometimes reaching Europe.

Air conditions, especially in southern Greece, have become stifling due to the combination of dust and high temperatures.

The fire department reported 25 forest fires during 24 hours, on Tuesday (23/04).

One of the fires occurred near a naval base on the island of Crete when temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius. Local residents had to be evacuated, according to local media reports.

Also read:

Half of all major cities in China are sinking, why?

Getty Images Air conditions, especially in southern Greece, have become stifling due to the combination of dust and high temperatures. Getty ImagesAs a result of the orange haze, air quality has worsened in many regions in Greece.

Dust clouds from the Sahara Desert often hit Europe, but their intensity varies. This natural phenomenon occurs most often in spring and autumn.

Also read:

The orange haze currently occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean is caused by a low pressure area in Libya bringing southerly winds pulling high concentrations of dust and sand from North Africa towards Greece.

The southerly wind also brings with it hot desert air. Temperatures rose well above average in late April across the Greek mainland and islands. The temperature was recorded at 36.6 degrees Celsius on the island of Crete.

The highest dust concentrations will be focused further east on Wednesday (24/04) as cold weather with cleaner air continues to sweep in from the west.

At the weekend, fresher and cleaner air is expected to blanket the Eastern Mediterranean again.

Getty Images A man, wearing a mask, views the city of Athens from Tourkovounia Hill. Getty Images The ancient city of Acropolis is covered in clouds of dust blowing in from the Sahara Desert. Getty ImagesThe Sahara Desert releases 60 to 200 million tons of mineral dust per year. Most of the dust quickly lands, but some small particles can travel great distances, sometimes reaching Europe.

Additional reporting by Stav Danaos

BBC

(ita/ita)