The Emirates called for strengthening the international humanitarian response and providing urgent relief to those in need
mena4 hours ago
Like many Dubai residents, Egyptian expat Sherif Soliman decided to cancel their regular family outing this weekend after severe dust storm hit most parts of the country on Thursday.
UAE residents woke up on Thursday to a hazy morning as road visibility was brought below 2,000m by strong gusts of winds that kicked up dust storm across the country from 5am until 6.30pm, according to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM).
The NCM has also reported light rains over the northeastern part of the UAE, particularly in Dibba, Fujairah, and advised beach goers and residents to be cautious while swimming in the various beaches in the region.
Moreover, the Dubai Police advised motorists to be extra cautious as dust and wind on external and internal roads have resulted in poor horizontal visibility. "Changing lanes should be done gradually with steady speed," the Dubai Police tweeted on Thursday.
An NCM spokesperson told Khaleej Times that dust storm will dissipate over the weekend but Soliman and his family, like other residents, decided not to take risk and opted to stay indoors to be on the safe side to avoid getting any pulmonary infections.
"Sandstorms contain dust particles and its exposure can lead to severe health issues when it get past the body's natural defense mechanisms," Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, specialist pulmonologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, told Khaleej Times.
"Particles in dust storms are usually coarse and hence don't cause much health issues to general public but people with previous history of breathing issues, especially asthmatic and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are at increased risk," he underlined.
Dr Sainalabdeen noted that "exposure to sandstorm usually causes cough, runny nose, throat irritation, wheeze, acute asthmatic attack, eye irritation/redness and headache".
There is considerable increase in number of patients coming to emergency department with ailments secondary to dusty weather, the doctor added.
Meanwhile, the weather forecast for today, according to the NCM, will be hazy and partly cloudy at times as the temperature will tend to decrease. The northwesterly to southwesterly wind will have speed from 15 to 25kmph, reaching 35kmph.
On Saturday, weather will be fair to partly cloudy and hazy at times over some areas as temperature tends to increase. The southeasterly to northeasterly winds will reach 35kmph at times and there will be slight to moderate waves in the Arabian Gulf and in Oman Sea.
On Sunday, it will be hazy weather in general and partly cloudy at times over some areas, especially eastwards. The southeasterly wind speed will be from 20 to 30kmph with maximum speed reaching 40kmph at times, causing blowing dust/sand over the exposed areas.
Dr Saheer Sainalabdeen, specialist pulmonologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, says the following precautions are advisable during dust storms:
1-Spend as little time outside as possible, avoid outdoor exercises and keep windows and doors closed.
2-When you go out, cover your nose and mouth with mask or damp cloth to reduce the inhalation of dust particles
3-Keep the car windows closed and opt for air-conditioning instead of fresh air
4-Remain hydrated and carry a supply of water
5-Whenever eye is irritated, avoid rubbing of eyes ,rinse with water as eye infection is common in this climate. Wear goggles and you should be extra careful if you use contact lenses
6-Asthmatic patients should always carry their emergency reliever medications as advised by the physician (like inhaler Salbutamol) with them.
7-Seek medical help at the earliest if you have cough, wheeze, breathing difficulty, chest pain or chest discomfort after exposure
The Emirates called for strengthening the international humanitarian response and providing urgent relief to those in need
mena4 hours ago
Photonics is the study of light and has several applications including LED, VR, holograms, high-speed internet and solar panels among other things
uae4 hours ago
A delegation from Egypt arrived in Israel on Friday hoping to revive the truce negotiations
mena4 hours ago
The decision aims to protect the safety and security of pilgrims
gulf5 hours ago
They have been carrying out rescue operations for the last four years, drawing on their extensive experience in saving people from desert terrain
uae6 hours ago
Dubai Amateur 17-year-old Oscar Craig continues to showcase his impressive form with third-round level par 72 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
sports6 hours ago
The tragic incident led to the death of a number of innocent people from Yemen
mena6 hours ago
Alongside regional leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the meetings
world6 hours ago