GENEVA: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has issued its annual report on the incidence of sand and dust storms, as well as their impacts on society.

While dust concentrations in the most impacted areas remained above the long-term average in 2023, they were slightly lower compared to 2022.

The report, titled “Airborne Dust Bulletin,” highlights the most severe storm of the year, which struck Mongolia in March 2023. This massive storm covered over 4 million square kilometers and impacted 20 provinces in China. The bulletin’s release coincides with the International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, observed annually on 12th July.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said, ‘We need to be vigilant in the face of continuing environmental degradation and current and future climate change. Scientific evidence shows that human activities are having an impact on sand and dust storms. For example higher temperatures, drought and higher evaporation lead to lower soil moisture. Combined with poor land
management, this is conducive to more sand and dust storms.’

Source: Emirates News Agency