A dramatic orange fog has formed over the Greek capital Athens on Wednesday, April 24, as dust clouds have flowed in from the Sahara desert, writes the British broadcaster BBC.
According to officials, this is one of the worst such incidents to hit Greece since 2018.
Similar clouds were already visible in Greece in late March and early April, and had also covered Switzerland and southern France.
The sky is expected to clear on Wednesday, according to the Greek Meteorological Service.
Air quality has deteriorated in many parts of the country, and the Acropolis of Athens was no longer visible due to dust on Wednesday morning.
Those Greeks with respiratory problems are advised to limit the time they spend outside, wear protective masks and avoid physical exertion until the dust clouds clear.
The Sahara emits 60 to 200 million tons of mineral dust annually. Most of the dust settles quickly on Earth, but some small particles can travel great distances, sometimes reaching Europe.
On April 24, an orange haze arose over the Greek capital Athens due to dust from the Sahara desert. Photo: Angelos TZORTZINIS / AFP
