Dust clouds from North Africa’s Sahara desert have painted Greece’s sky orange, creating a scene reminiscent of the Martian landscape. Landmarks such as the historic citadel of Acropolis in Athens were enveloped in an otherworldly glow, captured in striking images that have circulated widely.
A particular image taken from the Tourkovounia hills portrays a man in a face mask snapping a photo of the captivating view, with another individual cycling in the vicinity. Similarly, a separate snapshot showcases crowds who have ventured to the Tourkovounia hills via car and motorcycle, marveling at the unprecedented vista of the city’s ancient architecture hidden under the orange veil.
However, the awe-inspiring visuals carry health implications, predominantly for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises minimizing outdoor exposure during Saharan dust episodes due to the associated elevated risk of respiratory and cardiovascular disorders.
Kostas Lagouvardos, a distinguished weather research director at the Athens Observatory, notes that this event constitutes one of the most significant occurrences of Saharan dust since March 21-22, 2018, when the phenomenon enveloped the island of Crete. Furthermore, the winds propelling the dust have been linked to a surge in wildfires, with the Hellenic Fire Department reporting 25 brush fires on Tuesday alone. Forecasts indicate a likely dispersal of the dust as the winds shift, offering hope for clearer skies in the near future.
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