The Acropolis and other historical buildings in Athens look like landmarks from Mars, commented users on social networks. See what southern Greece looks like after the sky turns red:
The Saharan sand, carried over the Mediterranean Sea, colored the sky above southern Greece in an orange-red color. Residents of the capital, Athens, complained of breathing difficulties, and the atmosphere in the city became dark and oppressive.
The strong southerly wind caused the phenomenon
The Acropolis and other famous historical and architectural sites in Athens resembled landmarks from the planet Mars, users commented on social networks.
The strong southerly wind is the main cause of the phenomenon. And because of the large amount of Saharan dust in the air, the emergency rooms of hospitals in Athens were full. Doctors on the island of Crete and in the city of Kalamata are also sounding the alarm, with many patients there complaining of pneumonia-like symptoms, local media reported.
Forest fires are already raging in Greece
Specialists have advised people with respiratory diseases and especially allergies not to spend time outdoors. The Greek Association of Pulmonologists explained that Saharan dust contains small particles that penetrate deep into the lungs. They also cause problems for people with cardiovascular diseases.
The southerly wind causing the phenomenon is expected to blow the desert dust Wednesday. Temperatures are also expected to drop. At the same time, strong southerly winds are also fueling various wildfires - unusually early this year. On Tuesday evening, the fire service reported that 25 wildfires had broken out in the past 24 hours. Every year Greece struggles with the devastating fire element, and last year the country registered the largest forest fire in the European Union for more than two decades.