The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has issued a warning to residents of St. Vincent and the Grenadines of the harsh effects of Saharan dust.
The Meteorological Services at the Argyle International Airport in an advisory issued on Sunday January 28, 2024, advised that St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be impacted by increasing levels of haze caused by a thick plume of Sahara dust. An initial occasional film of haze is possible across the islands progressing to moderate haze with decreasing visibility across St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Ministry of Health, in their release advised the public that particles contained in Saharan dust can cause: dry cough, sore throat, itchy watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
The ministry says that concentrations of the Saharan dust may severely affect persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma and persons with pre-existing heart disease. The elderly and children are also vulnerable at this time.
Persons with respiratory issues and allergies are asked to always keep with them all medications, including asthma inhalers, needed to manage their conditions.
