This Thursday, both Egypt and Israel were hit by a powerful sandstorm that caused numerous casualties and material damage.
In the Egyptian capital, Cairo, and nearby cities, the storm killed at least four people and injured five. High winds blew down a huge billboard onto several cars, claiming the lives of one person and injuring five. In another city near the capital, a girl lost her life when a billboard collapsed and crushed her. Also, in Menufiyah province, a man was killed when he was hit by a palm tree. The fourth fatality was a person who lost his balance while watching the storm from a fourth-floor balcony in Suez City.
Intense winds and waves up to 4 meters high forced the closure of the Red Sea ports of Suez and Zaitiyat. Sandstorms also wreaked havoc in the country’s western desert, along the Mediterranean coast, in Greater Cairo, in the Nile Delta, and in cities along the Suez Canal. Adverse conditions are expected to persist through Friday. In addition, some areas of the country are forecast to experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius over the next 48 hours.
The Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) advised people to avoid direct sun exposure, wear face masks outdoors, and maintain adequate hydration.
Sandstorms, known as “khamasin,” are common in Egypt during this time of year.
The sandstorm also affected Israel, where it caused injuries and property damage. In the town of Hod HaSharon, a palm tree fell on a car, injuring a woman inside. In Tel Aviv, a 68-year-old man was injured when a tree fell. Strong winds caused the collapse of a crane, which collided with another crane, although fortunately no one was injured in the incident.