Saudi Gazette

By Mohammad Dawood Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The sandstorm on Tuesday resulted in at least 40 children visiting hospitals various parts of Jeddah for asthma treatment. Seven private hospitals in Jeddah reported they received 40 children with asthma on Tuesday and 20 adult patients suffering from several symptoms including chest pain and respiratory problems because of the storm. Jeddah Health Affairs assured the general public that its hospitals were ready to receive patients affected by the sandstorm. Pediatrician Dr. Mohammad Salem said asthma patients and patients with chest problems must avoid breathing in dust because dust particles may harm highly sensitive membranes of respiratory organs causing a negative reaction. King Abdulaziz International Airport Public Relations and Media Director Turki Al-Dheeb said the schedule of flights was unaffected by the sandstorm. The storm reduced horizontal visibility for land transportation but it has not affected aerial transportation. Visibility must be clear 350 to 500 meters above ground level in order for airplanes to land and take off. This may vary depending on the model of the airplane. The airport received 300 flights on the day and none of them were delayed due to the storm, said Al-Dheeb. The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection issued severals warnings about the unstable weather in Makkah, Madinah, the Eastern Province, Riyadh, Jazan, Asir and Tabuk. The sandstorm that started Monday night alleviated by Wednesday. Temperatures remained low in various areas of the Kingdom. It was 30 degrees Celsius in Makkah, 20 degrees in Madinah, 16 degrees in Riyadh, 29 degrees in Jeddah and 20 degrees in Dammam. The authority urged the public to be careful when driving on highways during sandstorms and to always follow the latest weather broadcasts.