Plateau State recently faced a severe bout of dust haze, causing a significant reduction in visibility across the region on Wednesday evening, October 4th.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has promptly issued a warning to alert the Nigerian public about the potential consequences of this atmospheric phenomenon.
In an official statement signed by Muntari Yusuf Ibrahim, NiMet revealed that this dust haze was not confined to Plateau State alone. Rather, it was traced back to its source region, encompassing areas in Chad, such as Faya-Largeau, Bol-Berim, Mongo, Abeche, and Ndjamena. Weather stations in these regions reported horizontal visibility spanning from as low as 800 meters to as much as 4,000 meters.
Other sources from Niger that share border with northern Nigeria (Diffa, Maine-Soroa, Goure, Bila, Maradi, zinder and Birni-n- Konni) have been reporting dust haze in poor visibility between 1000m and 3000m since the last 24 hours.”
Explaining further the statement revealed that due to strong winds, the dust in suspension is expected to propagate to some states in the northern part of the country, which will further reduce horizontal visibility.
The release also disclosed that there are prospects of DUST HAZE “(in moderate to poor horizontal visibility) over the northern parts of the country, especially over Katsina, Kano, Nguru, Jigawa Potiskum and Maiduguri in the next 24 hours,” the statement read.
It said further, “NiMet therefore advises members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere.
“Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health. Airline operators are also advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“NiMet will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.”
