Strong winds battered Bahrain yesterday prompting authorities to cancel major events and medics to issue a health alert for people suffering from respiratory illnesses.
The much-awaited Bahrain Food Festival, scheduled to start yesterday, is now expected to take place tomorrow while events at the F1 Fan Village – set to conclude yesterday – were cancelled.
Event organisers, the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), said safety of citizens and residents was their primary concern.
The F1 village at Block 338, Adliya, “had to be cancelled to protect our fans and those working at the venue,” the BIC said in a statement.
The weather is set to remain cool today and tomorrow with rising sands in places during the day. Winds are expected to reach 30 knots at times, according to Bahrain’s meteorological directorate.
Bahrain Health Mates Society chairwoman Dr Kawther Aleid, who is also a public health consultant, called on citizens and residents with allergies or weak immunity to be vigilant.
“Dusty weather negatively impacts people’s health, especially those suffering from obesity as they are more prone to respiratory illnesses as a result of their weakened immune systems,” she told the GDN.
“People with obesity often suffer from respiratory problems such as sleep apnea (a serious disorder in which breathing repeatedly starts and stops), asthma, along with trachea and lung infections unless they take necessary precautionary measures.
“On windy days, the air is saturated with dust particles. Smaller the particles, bigger the impact as they are able to bypass the natural filters in our respiratory system and lodge deeply in the internal bronchial tubes, while larger particles are usually suspended in the nasal channels.”
Dr Aleid said scientific research had proven that dust particles carry various bacteria that could lead to severe respiratory infections.
“It is important to wash the face on a regular basis as well as clean out the nose and mouth to prevent particles from reaching the lungs while ensuring you remain hydrated,” Dr Aleid said.
“It is vital to close windows and doors securely while also placing a wet towel to cover small openings.”
The medic urged patients with allergies to avoid leaving the house, unless for work or emergencies, and to wear a mask, or place a wet towel on the mouth and nose, if venturing outside.
Meanwhile, efforts were stepped up by the Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry emergency teams to remove mounds of sand accumulated in streets.
“Hygiene departments in all the municipalities have been cleaning streets as the dust wave and strong winds that swept Bahrain is set to continue today,” said Ministry’s Under-Secretary for Works Ahmed Al Khayyat.
“The Capital Trustees Authority and three municipalities have been directed to work round-the-clock to keep roads clean and safe.
“Inspectors have been deployed across the country to monitor the situation and advertisement billboards and branches of trees that have fallen over are being removed.”
reem@gdn.com.bh
&uuid=(email))