Sandstorm in Jeddah today kills 2; Makkah under emergency

Sandstorm in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Photo source (Jeddah sandstorm shuts airport, schools; drivers told to stay off roads/Qatar Day)

A huge sandstorm in Jeddah today killed two people, closing schools and rescheduling of flights. A state of emergency has been declared in Makkah, which is situated 90 km east of Jeddah.

Jeddah was blanketed by dust with winds moving at 60 km/hour, Arab News reported. Two people died due to road accidents in the Al-Salama district of Jeddah due to poor visibility.

According to the Saudi Gazette, King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah suspended flights for about an hour in the morning, delaying 28 local and international flights.

Sandstorm also affected Hail, Qasim, Riyadh and the Eastern Province. The weather is expected to continue for next two to three days, Saudi’s Arab News cited the country’s met office.

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