A dust storm has hit Kano State.

At least 30 percent of Kano’s troposphere – the lowest layer of earth’s atmosphere – is polluted by dust particles from wind erosion.

Two factors are responsible for the dust emissions, it was learnt.

According to meteorologists, the northeastern strong winds are lifting large amounts of dust particles and sand from Sahara desert and from the bare, dry soils of the northern region into the atmosphere.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a weather expert explained that the winds are raising the dust particles to higher levels of the troposphere by “turbulent mixing and convective updrafts.”

The “population of dust grains” are being transported by a range of mechanisms: “saltation, suspension and creep,” a process that moves sand from one place and deposits in another.

Many are worried that the dust storm may continue to wreak havoc for days or even weeks, since there is no rain or “precipitation” in sight to “wash” the dust out of the atmosphere.

“Continuous inhalation of dust, embedded with iron oxides, in hot dry weather damages nose and throat mucosa, which may lead to bacterial infection,” Ahmed, a doctor told this reporter on Sunday.

Ahmed, who encouraged the use of face mask, added that the meteorological phenomenon may bring some diseases including meningitis to residents, and if not treated may result to death.

Our correspondent in Kano reports that while some residents are being affected by eye problems, others are coughing as a result of the dust.

Some accidents have been recorded because of poor visibility caused by the atmospheric dust.

Motorists were seen putting on headlights at noon time to avoid crash.

Air transport is also likely to be affected, it was learnt.

“I am surprised that even my rooms, the bed and chairs have become dusty no matter how I lock up the doors and windows. Outside, you can see how the dust is falling as though someone is pouring it from above,” Mrs Margaret Femi, a trader in Sabon Gari, Kano, stated on Sunday.

Solar installation engineers also on Sunday said the heavy dust can affect the output of solar power plants that depend on solar radiation, since the solar collectors have to be kept dust-free to prevent particles from blocking incoming radiation. (The Nation)

14 thoughts on “Dust storm hits Kano

  1. Thanks for every other fantastic post. The place else may
    anyone get that type of info in such an ideal manner of writing?

    I’ve a presentation next week, and I am on the look for such info.

  2. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just curious
    if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or
    anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving
    me insane so any support is very much appreciated.

  3. Hey there I am so thrilled I found your web site, I really found you by error, while
    I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am
    here now and would just like to say kudos for a tremendous post
    and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to look over it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your
    RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep
    up the great job.

  4. I was very pleased to discover this great site. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every part of it and i also have you saved
    to fav to check out new stuff on your blog.

  5. Hi I am so delighted I found your webpage, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers
    for a remarkable post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it
    all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more,
    Please do keep up the great work.

  6. Hi there to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this website; this website carries remarkable and actually excellent stuff for readers.

  7. First of all I want to say great blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you
    do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head
    before writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my mind in getting
    my thoughts out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be lost simply
    just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
    Kudos!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *