DOHA 09th june 2013: The sandstorms that lashed the country since Friday are expected to continue until Thursday, according to the Meteorology Department.
However, the winds would be less intense and less dusty today and in the following days.
“We expect to see more waves of northwesterly winds during this season-called Bawareh —which extends from the end of May until mid-July,” said Abdullah Al Mannai, head of forecast and analysis section at the Department yesterday.
“The current wave is expected to prevail until Thursday, but the winds would be less intense and less dusty in the days to come. Our warning about high seas and low visibility is still in force,” he added.
The prolonged dust winds have created havoc, causing a sudden surge in the number of visitors to the Emergency Department of the Hamad Medical Corporation and the Paediatric Emergency in Al Sadd.
According to some reports, as high as 330 people were treated at the HMC emergency on Friday, most of whom were suffering from breathing and respiratory problems.
The Paediatric Emergency received more than 200 cases on the same day with similar problems.
Dr Khalid Al Ansari, Director of the Paediatric Emergency has advised families not to expose children to the dusty weather, especially the newborns. People suffering from allergy and asthma have been advised to take special caution.
Several road accidents have been reported from different parts of the country. The Ministry of Interior reported a multiple collision involving 10 cars on Al Khor coastal road on Friday due to poor visibility that dipped to near zero in some places. Wind speed reached 44 knots in some places Friday forcing the Ministry to advise people to avoid driving if it not necessary.
“Drivers are advised to take maximum care as sand is spread over the roads due to strong winds, especially on highways. Avoid speeding, leave adequate space between vehicles and don’t overtake without ensuring safety,” the Ministry said on its Facebook page yesterday.
“Visibility is low on Salwa road towards and from Abu Samra. Sand is spread around road shoulders,” it added. According to the weather forecast for today issued by the Meteorology Department, the northwesterly winds expected to blow at speeds ranging from 18-28/35 knots inshore and 22-30/ 40 knots offshore.
Visibility could dip to 2km or less at times. Temperature would remain in the average levels during this period, hovering between 28 and 39 degrees Celsius today.
– See more at: http://www.qatarchronicle.com/happenings/30455/sandstorms-will-continue-till-thursday-meterology-department/#sthash.TQ54bVDA.dpuf
Mrs Joyce it does look like you were very lucky leaving Qatar. The sandstorms look really big and you can’t see a thing.
Mrs Joyce,
I told you, you were the most nice and awesome you are really lucky! Or maybe the sand storm just waited till you went home and then formed! There is a 100% chance that what happened to you won’t happen to me because you are more awesome tan me! But that’s in my opinion so don’t think that you really are more awesome than me! Lets just say we are even! But congratulations for going to Qatar for most of the holidays and can’t wait to see you when I get back from the holidays!
I am realy glad to hear from you and it’s so amazing
This was a real adventure for you Bronwyn, you have started harvesting fruits of your determination and hard work with Liddard Road Primary School.
. The sandstorm looks dangerous mrs Joyce did get out at time you don’t want to be in a sandstorm because you can’t go anywhere when there is a big sandstorm is outside lucky mrs Joyce plane left before the sandstorm if mrs Joyce left at the sandstorm mrs Joyce wood have to wait a few days
Mrs Joyce ,
You were lucky to get out of Doha, Qatar otherwise you would have been stuck inside for a couple of days. Aren’t you so glad you got out of there.