Twin cities enveloped in dust

Like the entire region, the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad Tuesday remained enveloped by dust, particularly affecting those vulnerable to dust allergy and asthma patients. The phenomenon also affected the visibility across the green city.

According to the metrological office, the cyclonic winds which had been hitting Sindh and Balochistan during last couple of days, brought with them heavy dust to Islamabad, the metropolis city.

The dusty winds also disrupted domestic and international flights and created problems for allergy patients.

However, owing to sow wind speed in the capital, the dust remained hovering over Islamabad, making life difficult for the inhabitants. Such dusty atmosphere is unusual in Islamabad where residents used to enjoy the green character of the city, especially the serene beauty of Margallah Hills.

Conversely, the dusty winds blur the hills’ view as the skyline. The Met Office forecast that the dust would be suppressed by Wednesday morning. They also informed that light rain expected that would help bring down the dust within possible time.

An official of the Met Office said such gusty winds had been reported across Central Asia and other regions and the windstorms in Pakistan is part of the very spell.

The dust raising winds is also likely to continue in Northern part of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. However, health experts believe dust is disturbing for human health more ways than one.

ENT Specialist Dr. Najma Asif while speaking to the media said such gusty winds causes flu, burning eyes, watering eyes nasal itching. Such dust-enveloped air also causes nasal discharge and breathing problem, particularly those already suffering pollen allergy and asthma.

The Doctor advised people to use protective-masks to avoid contact with dust and not to continue oily food, suggesting hot water, use of boiled eggs and soup.

Medical specialist Dr. Nabeel Jhangir was of the opinion dusty winds generally have negative impact on lungs. In his view, it may also lead to pneumonia, if the intensity increases. He advised asthma patients to stay inside and close the window panes of the vehicle while travelling.

He also said one should go with normal diet as such weather has nothing to do with diet. It mostly affects having breathing problems.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Mar 21 2012. Filed under Health, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.