‘Unprecedented’ sandstorm sweeps across Middle East: schools and public institution closes

             A street obscured by sandstorm in Amman                  (C)AP

A deadly and unprecedented sandstorm has engulfed parts of the Middle East, forcing the Lebanese government to shut schools and public institutions over health concerns. It is reported that at least twelve people have died, while over 2,000 has had to go to the hospital due to breathing problems, a health ministry official told the DPA news agency.

Aerial view of the storm sweeping across the Middle East   (C)NASA

 The sandstorm which entered its third day on Wednesday is said to have affected Syria, Jordan, Israel, Egypt and also Lebanon. In fact, reduced visibility prompted the Syrian government to call off airstrikes against rebel fighters in a central province, local media reported, and threatened a planned protest by Lebanese activists over the government's inability to deal with the country's rubbish crisis, The Independent reports. In Jordan, schools are reported to have shut down or cut their days short.
It is reported that there is hope of improvement in the coming days