Environmental
Heavy sandstorm blankets Nouakchott with orange haze
A severe sandstorm swept across Nouakchott, reducing visibility and prompting warnings for respiratory risk and road safety.
On March 26, 2026, a powerful sandstorm hit Mauritania’s capital, Nouakchott, shrouding the city in an orange haze and significantly lowering visibility. Local authorities advised residents to stay indoors and operate vehicles with caution due to hazardous driving conditions and elevated air pollution levels. The storm disrupted some public transport schedules and caused temporary closures of outdoor markets and construction sites. Health officials warned vulnerable populations, particularly those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, to take extra precautions as fine dust particles can aggravate existing illnesses. The event is linked to above‑normal desert wind activity and dry surface conditions in the surrounding Sahara regions.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Date added
- 2026-03-26 04:15 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-26 04:15 UTC
- Connected threats
- Not provided