Southeast Buried in Dust: Visibility at Zero – Latest News from Turkey
The city of Diyarbakır recently experienced a decrease in air quality and visibility due to the North African dust transport that affected the region. A hazy atmosphere enveloped the city, covering the balconies of vehicles and houses with dust, as well as leaving historical sites shrouded in clouds of dust.
In Mardin, a similar situation occurred as visibility decreased in the city center and some districts, with historical buildings, vehicles, and windows of houses all being covered in dust due to the dust movement that began in the morning hours.
Siirt also faced challenges as the dust transport negatively impacted the city, leading to a decrease in visibility and air quality. In Şırnak, the dust cloud that lingered since morning covered the balconies of vehicles and houses in the center, as well as in the districts of Cizre, İdil, and Silopi. This reduced visibility and air quality in the region, with the Cudi and Gabar Mountains almost becoming invisible.
Some citizens in Cizre wore masks to protect themselves from the effects of the dust transport. Officials from the 15th Regional Directorate of the General Directorate of Meteorology warned that the dust transport from North Africa affecting Diyarbakır, Mardin, Batman, Siirt, Şırnak, and Şanlıurfa would continue the next day.
However, rain is expected in the region on May 2, which officials believe will help dissipate the effects of the dust transport. Diyarbakır Dicle University’s Faculty of Medicine highlighted the importance of taking precautions during such natural events. Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Şenyiğit emphasized that people, especially those with chronic lung or allergic diseases, should limit their outdoor exposure during these times and wear masks if necessary. If symptoms worsen, individuals are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
