Health authorities have issued warnings and urged the public to take protective measures as a dust storm continues to impact Qatar. The storm is triggering health concerns and causing reduced visibility on roads.
The Qatar Meteorology Department has forecast strong northwesterly winds and widespread dusty conditions, with visibility dropping significantly in several areas. The dust storm, which originated in the northern Gulf, is expected to persist through the weekend.
Officials from Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) have emphasized the health risks associated with the weather, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. Ali Darwish, Assistant Executive Director of HMC’s Ambulance Service, advised the public to stay indoors as much as possible. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. He also urged the use of face masks when outdoors. Additionally, he encouraged those with respiratory conditions to continue using their prescribed medications.
“We’ve seen an increase in emergency calls, rising from our usual 800 to around 900, mainly related to minor traffic accidents and respiratory issues,” Darwish said. He advised drivers to exercise extreme caution due to low visibility, especially on highways.
Dr. Mohammed Al Amri, Chairman of Paediatrics and Director of Paediatric Emergency Centres at HMC, also urged parents to prioritize children’s safety. He stressed the importance of keeping children indoors and ensuring they wear masks if attending school. “Parents should administer any precautionary medication and notify school nurses of their child’s respiratory needs,” he said. He noted that no major increase in pediatric respiratory cases had been observed over the past 24 hours.
Health officials continue to monitor the situation and are urging the public to follow updates and guidance issued by official sources.
