Baku covered in dust storm from Turkmenistan

On 23 August, an unusual dust storm hit the capital city of Azerbaijan, Baku, coloring it yellow.

The residents say that visibility in the city has severely decreased, and that the smell of the storm is strong and resembles that of tobacco smoke.

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan said in a press release that this storm that has covered the Absheron peninsula came from neighboring Turkmenistan across the sea.

The Ministry also stated that a ‘weak, south-eastern wind in Baku and on the peninsula, in addition to heightened humidity and high air temperatures, will allow for even more dust to gather in the air until August 26’.

The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources has announced that it will intensify its operations.

People with breathing issues are recommended not to step outside onto the streets.