Air traffic normal at airport despite sandstorm
The Kuwait Liberation Tower and other tall buildings in Kuwait City are partially hidden by the sandstorm. Despite the abnormal weather condition as a result of a sudden sandstorm, aviation at Kuwait International Airport continued as usual, said the Kuwait General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Monday.
DGCA’s Deputy Director for Aviation Services Khaled Al-Shuaibi told KUNA that as the weather continues to stabilize, horizontal vision would improve from its current number of around 1,500 meters.
For operations to stall at the airport, horizontal vision should be under 300 meters, indicated Al-Shuaibi who added that proper procedures would have been taken if it came to that predicament.
Kuwait is currently experiencing a sudden sandstorm, causing low visibility with a chance of a thunderstorm, said the Kuwait meteorological center Monday. Speaking to KUNA, meteorologist Abdulaziz Al-Qarawi said that the strong sandstorm, caused by winds at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour (km/h) from the northwest, has reduced horizontal view to under 1,000 meters.
The sea state will witness huge waves at 7 meters, added Al-Qarawi who predicted that the weather would improve later during the day.
Road users are advised to take extra precaution as a sudden sandstorm hits Kuwait, the Interior Ministry said Monday.
The Interior Ministry said in a statement that due to the sandstorm, drivers and road users should abide by traffic regulations and laws to prevent any accidents from occurring.
In case of emergency, citizens and expatriates were urged to contact the 112 number.
Beach and sea enthusiasts are also urged to call the coast guard at the 1880888 in case of emergency.
The Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) also issued a similar statement regarding the current weather situation. (KUNA)