Tahrir Square Wednesday as sandstorm strikes Egypt (Photo: Kolona khaled Said Page on Facebook)
The yearly Khamasin sandstorm hit several areas of Egypt on Wednesday including Cairo, Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, Suez and Assuit paralysing highways due to the lack of visibility on the roads.
The country-wide sandstorm originates from annual local storms in North Africa which travel to Egypt, usually arriving in the month of April.
Dr. Ali Qotub, the official spokesperson of the Egyptian Meteorological Authority, stated on Channel One of Egyptian TV Wednesday that the speed of the sandstorm has reached more than 60 km/h across Cairo, Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh and all the desert highways.
Qotub warned drivers across the country to drive carefully due to the low visibility and strong winds on the roads. Qotub expected that the sandstorm to end today and the weather conditions to improve however, he added, the temperature will decrease.
The Red Sea Ports Authority also announced Wednesday that the four main ports in Suez have been closed due to the sandstorm. Cairo International Airport also declared emergency status as the reduction in visibility makes it hard for airplanes to take off and land.
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