Dust storms hit the region: Jordan records 14 out of 23 hours of dust storms

The Regional Center for Dust and Sandstorm Warning announced that it recorded a total of 23 hours of dust storm activity in several countries in the region on May 11, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor weather phenomena and accurately analyze data. These efforts aim to raise environmental awareness and provide relevant authorities with the necessary climate information to take preventative measures.

According to the report issued by the center, Jordan topped the list of the most affected countries, recording 14 hours of dust storms. Pakistan followed with 6 hours, then Iran with 2 hours, while Saudi Arabia recorded 1 hour. The center confirmed that no dust storms were observed in the rest of the region during the same period, emphasizing the continuation of monitoring and analysis efforts within its scientific initiatives aimed at studying these phenomena and providing data to support decision-makers.

General context: A recurring phenomenon in the global dust belt

Dust and sandstorms are a common natural phenomenon in the Middle East and North Africa, which lies within the so-called "global dust belt." These storms form when strong, gusty winds blow across arid and barren lands, carrying with them enormous quantities of sand and dust. Historically, this phenomenon has been associated with periods of drought and seasonal changes, particularly during the spring and summer. However, global climate change and increased rates of desertification and land degradation in recent decades have led to a rise in the frequency and intensity of these storms, making them a growing environmental and health challenge.

The importance and expected effects of dust storms

The effects of dust storms extend to multiple aspects at the local, regional and international levels, and are not limited to simply obstructing visibility.

• On the health front: Fine dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) carry pollutants and allergens, and can exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, in addition to their negative impact on heart and eye health.
• On the economic front: Severe storms paralyze air and land transport, causing significant economic losses. They also negatively impact the agricultural sector by covering crops and reducing the efficiency of solar panels used for renewable energy generation.
• On the environmental level: These phenomena contribute to the deterioration of air quality and pollution of water bodies, and they also play a role in transporting nutrients over long distances, but in return they increase soil erosion and exacerbate the problem of desertification.

The transboundary nature of these storms, as the report, which included countries as far apart as Jordan and Pakistan, illustrates, calls for enhanced regional and international cooperation to share data, develop effective early warning systems, and adopt joint strategies to mitigate their effects, such as afforestation and vegetation restoration programs.