Over the past few days, sand has covered the country, with 2 deaths and 750 in hospital. The event is expected to continue, creating problems for people with respiratory diseases, children, seniors, and pregnant women. Motorists have been warned of poor visibility. Syria, Turkey and Israel have also been affected.

Beirut (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least two people have died and 750 have been hospitalised with respiratory problems after an exceptional dust storm hit Lebanon (as well as Syria, Turkey and Israel).

A blanket of yellowish dust covers Beirut and many areas of the country with serious consequences for motorists and people with respiratory problems.

In a statement, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that  two women died at hospitals in the eastern Beqaa Valley because of the storm. One of the dead is Joumana L.; the other is Hadla Aa.

"The number of cases of choking and shortness of breath caused by the sandstorm has risen to 750," the Ministry announced.

Health officials urged those suffering from respiratory and heart problems as well as children, senior citizens and pregnant women to stay indoors.

The Traffic Management Centre issued an advisory to motorists to be cautious to avoid accidents because of low visibility.

The Meteorological Department at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport expected the storm to last a few days.

Mouin Hamzeh, secretary general of the National Council for Scientific Research, said satellite images suggested the sandstorm originated in Iraq.

"It usually happens twice or even three times a year in Lebanon but during spring, March and April, and the unusual thing today is the density of the storm," he explained.

• lebanon
• dust
• storm
• motorists
• respiratory
• problems