SandStorm Rips Through Egypt Killing 1 Person

Published: 2023-06-02
Views: 213
Author: Editorial
Published in: General

Egypt's capital has witnessed a devastating sandstorm that swept through the city, enveloping it in an eerie orange haze.

A report by the state media says the sandstorm claimed one life and left five others injured when a billboard collapsed on a major road.

According to Al-Ahram Newspaper, the storm also wreaked havoc on the October 6 motorway, located in the heart of Cairo, home to a population of 20 million people. Four vehicles were reportedly "crushed" on the motorway,.

Efforts were made by traffic authorities to clear the debris of the collapsed billboard and restore the flow of traffic, as mentioned in the newspaper.

Videos shared on social media depicted near-zero visibility on roads and at sea, with ominous clouds threatening to engulf ships passing through the Suez Canal.

During the spring season, sandstorms are a common occurrence in Egypt, often causing respiratory problems, according to the health ministry.

In response to the intense weather conditions, which included strong winds and high waves accompanying the sandstorm, authorities closed two ports along the Suez Canal on Thursday.

It is worth noting that a similar sandstorm in 2021 resulted in the massive container ship Ever Given becoming lodged diagonally across the Suez Canal, disrupting global trade for nearly a week due to reduced visibility.

Egypt's road infrastructure is known for its dangerous conditions and lack of proper maintenance, and drivers frequently disregard speed limits and other traffic regulations.

With a population exceeding 105 million, Egypt stands as the most populous country in the Arab world.