No, this image is neither photoshopped nor color-graded. This is the scene that residents of the Greek capital woke up to this morning.
Athens was enveloped in an orange haze as dust from the Sahara Desert swept over the city, creating a dramatic and potentially hazardous environment for its inhabitants. The dense cloud of dust, driven by winds carrying sand across the Mediterranean, caused air quality to plummet and obscured views of iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis.
Photo: YouTube
Dust Clouds from the Sahara
According to the BBC, the wave of dust arrived earlier this week, creating an orange hue over the city. This is not the first time Greece has experienced this occurrence; similar clouds of desert dust were seen in late March and early April, impacting parts of Switzerland and southern France as well.
The effects of the dust storm were widespread, with air quality deteriorating across much of Greece. In Athens, the iconic Acropolis was obscured by the thick haze on Wednesday morning, and the cloud reached as far north as Thessaloniki.
Impact on Daily Life
The heavy dust clouds had a tangible impact on daily life in Athens and other parts of Greece.
With visibility reduced and air quality compromised, people were encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible. Public health authorities issued warnings to protect those with respiratory issues, while many schools and workplaces adjusted their operations to ensure the safety of students and employees.
Meteorologists expect the dust cloud over Greece to gradually dissipate as the wind carries it further eastward. Kathimerini reports that this process should begin on Wednesday, April 24, providing some relief to those affected by the dust storm.
