The Fury Of Afghanistan's Dust Storms

Dust storms are a common occurrence in Afghanistan. The country's dry terrain, a mixture of rugged mountains and sandy or rocky deserts, provides the perfect conditions for dust storms to form. These storms can cause significant disruption to transport, business, and utilities, as well as posing health risks to the local population, particularly those with respiratory conditions. In the past, dust storms in Afghanistan have buried villages, filled waterways, destroyed crops, and killed livestock. They can also reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions, leading to traffic congestion and an increased risk of accidents. Strong winds associated with dust storms can cause damage to property and power outages, and can even impact air travel, with potential flight delays, diversions, and cancellations.

Dust storms in Afghanistan are common

In May 2014, a giant sandstorm approached Camp Bastion, Britain's main military base in Afghanistan. Within an hour, the worst of the storm had passed, demonstrating the transient nature of these storms. However, their frequency and impact cannot be overstated.

In June 2003, southwestern Afghanistan was battered by sandstorms that residents described as the worst in living memory. The dust and sand buried villages, filled waterways, destroyed crops, and killed livestock. These storms persisted longer than expected, creating environmental problems and compounding the challenges faced by the local population.

The Afghanistan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for dust storms and strong winds, with wind speeds expected to vary from 30 kph (19 mph) to 100 kph (62 mph). Such strong winds can cause property damage, power outages, and dangerous flying debris. Additionally, dust storms reduce visibility and pose health risks, especially for individuals with respiratory conditions.

The Sistan Basin, home to the Hamoun Wetlands bordering Iran and Afghanistan, is believed to be a significant source of the windblown dust affecting Afghanistan. Persistent drought conditions and increased irrigation from the Helmand River have transformed these wetlands into arid salt pans, contributing to the frequency and intensity of dust storms in the region.

They can reduce visibility and pose health risks

Dust storms are a common occurrence in Afghanistan. These storms can have a significant impact on both the environment and human health. One of the most immediate consequences of dust storms is reduced visibility. As dust and sand are whipped up by strong winds, they can create hazardous driving conditions, leading to traffic congestion and an increased risk of accidents. Low visibility can also disrupt air and ground transportation, causing flight delays, diversions, and cancellations.

The health risks posed by dust storms are also significant, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Inhaling dust can irritate the airways and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. For those with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dust storms can trigger flare-ups and exacerbate their condition. Additionally, dust particles can carry harmful substances, such as pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and radioactive materials, which can be inhaled and lead to respiratory diseases.

The severity of the health impact depends on the duration of exposure, the concentration of dust in the air, and the presence of any additional irritants or toxins. Prolonged exposure to dust storms or particularly dense clouds of dust can increase the risk of adverse health effects, especially for vulnerable individuals. It is crucial for people in affected areas to take precautions, such as staying indoors, using face masks, and avoiding outdoor activities that can increase dust inhalation.

The environmental impact of dust storms in Afghanistan has also been significant. In the past, severe sandstorms have buried villages, filled waterways, destroyed crops, and killed livestock. The strong winds associated with dust storms can cause property damage and power outages, further compounding the challenges faced by residents in affected areas.

Overall, dust storms in Afghanistan can have far-reaching consequences, impacting visibility, human health, and the environment. It is important for authorities and individuals alike to be prepared for these storms, implement appropriate precautions, and minimise their impact whenever possible.

Strong winds can cause property damage and power outages

Dust storms are a common occurrence in Afghanistan. On 20 December 2011, a cloud of dust was sent across Afghanistan and Pakistan by fierce northern winds.

Strong winds can cause extensive damage to property and critical infrastructure. Winds exceeding speeds of 50-60 mph are considered damaging and can cause light structural damage to homes, including damage to chimneys and roofing tiles. At speeds of 55-63 mph, winds can uproot trees and cause power outages. When wind speeds surpass 64 mph, there is a risk of widespread structural damage, including damage to roofs and windows. Manufactured and mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to strong winds, with mobile homes struggling to withstand speeds of 80 mph or more.

In Afghanistan, strong winds can cause power outages by knocking down trees and tree branches, which can damage power lines. Additionally, strong winds can turn loose objects into dangerous projectiles and cause flying debris.

In May 2024, the Afghanistan Meteorological Department issued a warning due to expected dust storms and strong winds across the country, with wind speeds predicted to range from 30 kph (19 mph) to 100 kph (62 mph). The strongest winds were expected in several provinces, including Balkh, Bamyan, Kabul, and Kandahar.

Dust storms can cause hazardous driving conditions

Dust storms are a common occurrence in Afghanistan, and they can cause hazardous driving conditions. When a dust storm hits, visibility can drop to zero, leaving drivers effectively blind and creating a dangerous situation. Drivers should avoid entering a dust storm if at all possible, and if they encounter one, they should pull over as soon as possible.

• Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and travel at reduced speeds, especially if you are driving a high-profile vehicle.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions and keep an eye on the horizon for any signs of an approaching dust storm.
• If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check the traffic around your vehicle and begin to slow down.
• Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to pull over safely—do it as soon as possible, and completely exit the highway if you can.
• Do not stop in a travel lane or emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
• Turn off all vehicle lights, including emergency flashers, to avoid other vehicles crashing into you while using your lights as a guide.
• Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated.
• Stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
• If you cannot pull over, proceed slowly with your lights on and sound your horn occasionally. Use the painted centre line to guide you, and look for a safe place to pull over.
• Never stop on the travelled portion of the roadway, as this can lead to collisions with other vehicles.

In addition to the direct health risks posed by dust storms, large storms can cause transport delays and disruptions due to strong winds and low visibility. These storms can result in traffic congestion and an increased frequency of accidents, especially during rush-hour periods. Poor driving practices, such as not using headlights at night or failing to maintain a safe distance between vehicles, can further compound the hazards. It is important to exercise caution, allow extra time to reach destinations, and monitor local media for weather advisories.

They can also cause flight delays and cancellations

Dust storms are a common occurrence in Afghanistan. These storms can cause flight delays and cancellations, as well as hazardous driving conditions. Poor visibility and strong winds can make it unsafe for planes to take off or land, leading to cancellations and delays.

In addition to safety concerns, dust storms can also cause operational challenges for airports and airlines. Low visibility can make it difficult for air traffic controllers to manage incoming and outgoing flights, further contributing to delays. Strong winds can also impact ground operations, such as baggage handling and fuelling, causing additional disruptions.

The impact of dust storms on flight operations can vary depending on the severity of the storm, the duration, and the airport's capacity to manage disruptions. Smaller airports with limited infrastructure and resources may struggle more during severe dust storms, resulting in prolonged delays or cancellations. Larger airports with more advanced technology and better infrastructure may be better equipped to handle such events, minimising the impact on flight schedules.

Dust storms can also have a knock-on effect on flight schedules beyond the period of severe weather. Delays and cancellations can cause a backlog of flights, affecting subsequent days' schedules. This ripple effect can be challenging for airlines to manage, especially if they are already operating at or near full capacity.

It is important to note that while dust storms are a significant factor, they are not the only cause of flight delays and cancellations. Other weather phenomena, such as thunderstorms, snowstorms, and fog, can also lead to similar disruptions. Additionally, operational issues, technical faults, and staffing shortages can further compound these challenges, impacting the timely departure and arrival of flights.

To mitigate the impact of dust storms and other disruptions, airlines and airports implement various strategies. These can include issuing weather waivers, allowing passengers to change their travel plans without additional fees, providing flexible rebooking options, and offering accommodation and meal vouchers for extended delays.

Frequently asked questions