How to behave during a dust storm

If a dust storm begins in Northern Cyprus, the safest option is to stay indoors, close windows and doors, switch the air conditioner to recirculation mode, and, if possible, use an air purifier with a HEPA filter. Outdoors, protect your breathing with a mask/respirator (for example, FFP2/KN95), avoid sports and long walks. When driving, reduce speed, turn on hazard lights, and if visibility is poor, stop in a safe place. If you experience pronounced shortness of breath, wheezing, or a sudden deterioration in well-being, seek medical assistance: 112.

Dust storms in Northern Cyprus are not uncommon, although they are somewhat less intense than in the Republic of Cyprus.

Below are several recommendations on how to stay safe during this phenomenon.

• Origins of dust storms in Northern Cyprus
• Health risks of dust storms
• Recommendations during a dust storm
• Frequently asked questions about dust storms

Origins of dust storms in Northern Cyprus

The island’s location makes it vulnerable: Northern Cyprus experiences dust storms mainly due to its geographical proximity to the Sahara Desert in North Africa, although dust masses from eastern deserts may also occasionally reach the area.

Dust storms occur when strong winds carry fine dust particles across the Mediterranean Sea to the island. This phenomenon is often influenced by low-pressure systems and warm air flows that facilitate the movement of dust.

Health risks of dust storms

Dust particles can significantly ухудшать air quality and visibility, posing health risks, especially for people with respiratory conditions (such as asthma or chronic bronchitis).

In addition to breathing problems, dust storms can cause irritation of the eyes and skin.

Recommendations during a dust storm

What to do

1. Assess the conditions: if the air is hazy, “sand” is felt in the throat, and visibility has noticeably worsened, it is better to minimize any trips outdoors.
2. Prepare your indoor space: close windows and doors, seal gaps if possible, and switch the air conditioner to recirculation mode.
3. If you need to go outside: wear a mask/respirator, protect your eyes with glasses, and keep the time spent outdoors to a minimum.
4. Monitor your condition: if shortness of breath worsens, wheezing appears, or you develop a severe cough, seek medical assistance at 112.

When indoors

• Close windows and doors: make sure the space is sealed to reduce dust entering indoors.
• Use air conditioning: enable recirculation mode. If you have an air purifier with a HEPA filter, use it.
• If the indoor air still feels “heavy,” you can cover your nose and mouth with a mask or a damp cloth.
• Follow local news and weather forecasts to understand how long the phenomenon may last.

When outdoors

• Find shelter to protect yourself from strong winds and dust.
• Protect breathing and eyes: a mask/respirator and glasses usually reduce irritation.
• Be aware of your surroundings: strong winds may carry small flying objects.

When driving

• Gradually reduce speed, turn on hazard lights, and pull over in a safe place.
• If visibility becomes very poor, it is better to stop and wait it out.
• Stay inside the vehicle with windows closed and the air conditioner set to recirculation mode.
• Do not leave the vehicle unless necessary: in addition to dust, small objects may be blown around in strong winds.

Both indoors and outdoors during a dust storm, it is not advisable to engage in outdoor sports: physical exertion increases breathing intensity, allowing more dust particles to enter the body.

If you have breathing problems, it makes sense to enhance protection (for example, use a denser respirator instead of a regular mask) and, if possible, stay at home.

Symptoms that warrant seeing a doctor

• difficulty breathing or increasing shortness of breath;
• excessive fatigue and weakness due to poor air quality;
• wheezing in the lungs when breathing.

Frequently asked questions about dust storms in Northern Cyprus

Where can I find an air pollution map?

Unfortunately, an air pollution map in a convenient format is more often available for the Republic of Cyprus. You can view it at this link. Residents of the northern part of Nicosia can also use this data as a reference.

When was the strongest dust storm in Northern Cyprus?

One of the strongest dust storms on the entire island occurred in early April 2022 and was considered one of the most intense in the past twenty years.

When do dust storms most often occur in Northern Cyprus?

Traditionally, more intense dust events on the island were observed in April and May, but in recent years dust episodes have also occurred in other months.

Which other countries are affected by dust storms?

After passing over the island, dust clouds can sometimes reach Central Europe under favorable wind conditions. Greece and Italy are also frequently affected by Saharan dust.

What does the HEPA filter mentioned in the recommendations mean?

HEPA is a type of high-efficiency filter that captures very small particles from the air. An air purifier with a HEPA filter usually helps reduce the amount of dust indoors during a dust storm.