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DUST-STORM-AUSTRALIA-SYDNEY
Dust storm reaches Australia’s Sydney
SYDNEY, Nov. 22, 2018 (BSS/Xinhua) – Brown haze engulfed Sydney on
Thursday, and authorities are advising residents to take precautions.
The New South Wales Department of Health has issued a warning stating that
tiny dust particles can penetrate deep into people’s lungs, suggesting those
with respiratory conditions stay indoors for the duration of the event which
is expected to dissipate by Friday.
“Some of the dust particles in the dust storm will be very small and can
get deep into your lungs and that’s why we’re concerned about people’s
health,” Director of Environmental Health Richard Broome said.
“Dust may aggravate existing heart and lung conditions and cause symptoms
like eye irritation and cough. If possible, staying in air-conditioned places
where filtration systems can help to reduce dust particles in the air,” the
director said.
The dust comes from further inland areas of the state where winds from a
low pressure system have whipped up the dry, drought-ridden soil and carried
it all the way to the coast.
In parts of the state further west, visibility was severely limited as
dense clouds descended on communities, although residents in many of those
areas are more accustomed to dust events.
Conditions in Sydney are expected to peak on Thursday afternoon before
clearing.
BSS/Xinhua/MSY/1225 hrs