SAND STORM IN WESTERN AFRICA

STRANGE SAND STORM IN WESTERN AFRICA


For almost two weeks, Western Africa has been engulfed by sand storm. It reduces visibility to a matter of a hundred meters in some localities and even less in others. It has also mean that the rains that are expected to announce the sowing of corn and other seeds have been postponed as apparently it has an effect on the rain fall expected in the month of March in western Africa. As such many are so concerned over what they see as a unique but interminable occurence.

It should not be so as this phenomenon is not strange in western Africa. It had been in extant for millions of years. The only difference today is that this one is so intense and visibility is reduced considerably. Drivers are advised to drive with their headlights on so as to be easily seen by other road users. It is called the sand storm and emanates from the Sahara. This spreads all the way to Libreville, Gabon on the Equator. In our school days we called it the harmattan, a parched desiccating gentle wind that is pregnant with particles of what apparently looks like white dust. The white colour is the refraction of the sun's rays. This is being brought southwards by the Trade Winds triggered by difference in atmospheric air pressure. Sometimes these sand particles are blown all the way to Europe and Asia as is the case now and cars parked outdoors, including clothes hung are soiled by this fine dust particles. You will see that they are able to clink on peoples' eyelashes and bodies in our beloved Nsoland. Many who are suffering from lung diseases are being affected. It may not be a bad idea if a clean handkerchief is tied across the mouth and nostrils when patients go outside to carryon their daily chores.


Dr. Viban V. Ngo, Sheey.