The worst of the dust storm hit Sydney on Wednesday morning but Southern Australia’s authorities have warned residents of the extremely dangerous quality of the air, with particular regard to people with heart and lung conditions. The Ministry of Health for New South Wales (NSW), Australia, has issued a sever warning as the orange dust storm could be potentially dangerous for anyone.
NSW director of environmental health Dr Richard Broome said: “I think it’s important for the rest of the day people are cautious.”
NSW Ambulance assistant commissioner Tony Gately told The Sydney Morning Herald: “So far today we have responded to around 90 cases of asthma or breathing difficulties right across Sydney, which is a significant peak.”
Mr Gately said the state’s ambulance service was receiving around eight calls an hour from people with breathing problems.
He added: “Conditions like asthma can be deadly and to take risks in the current conditions would be very ill-advised.”
The Bureau of Meteorology warned the dust storm could last for an extra couple of days, despite reducing in intensity as it leaves the region.
Bureau of Meteorology severe weather manager Simon Louis said the dust storm was among hazardous weather across the state, with strong 90km/h and extremes – bushfire warnings in some areas and snow in others.
He added: “The cold front has also brought over dry weather into the east of NSW and there’s a fire warning for the Hunter Valley.
“It’s also bringing quite cold air behind it and we’ve had snow in the alpine region.”
The thick haze has completely covered Sydney landmarks. The famous Sydney Opera House was barely visible at times, even at the height of 309m above the city.
The storm is caused by strong winds picking up dry soil in a country where many parts have been suffering from drought.
Australia’s worst dust storm in recent years was in September 2009, when the dust stretched 310 miles wide and 620 miles long.