Dust covered the city of Athens and its monuments, including the Parthenon. It is a spectacular meteorological phenomenon, but it can also cause damage to health. Ironic comments are going crazy on Greek social media
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Athens woke up to the desert. The dust from the Sahara has covered the Greek capital and its monuments, including the Parthenon which, in its majesty, makes this fact even more curious and fascinating. An impressive, almost paranormal meteorological phenomenon that the ancient Greeks would probably have attributed to the sand goddess Psamate or some other deity. In reality, experts have clarified, it is nothing divine or strange, but a fairly frequent weather condition. Greece, in fact, had already been enveloped by clouds of Sahara dust at the end of last March and the beginning of April.
The phenomenon
From the marble columns of the Acropolis to the ancient Roman agora, the main monuments of Athens were engulfed by African dust carried by winds blowing from the south, while the entire city was enveloped in an orange cloud that reminded many inhabitants of scenarios with an apocalyptic flavour. A visual spectacle that however hides quite a few problems. The high concentrations of sand in the air, in fact, reduce sunlight and visibility and also contribute to increasing the level of polluting particles with consequent health risks for the most vulnerable people suffering from respiratory diseases. “This is a particular phenomenon, due to the concentrations of African dust and the particular climatic conditions that prevailed over Attica: the southern winds carrying the African dust met with colder currents coming from the north, causing the dust rose with the warm air to greater heights, up to two kilometers, and remained there. The solar rays were reflected on the dust particles, which gave back this red hue”, Nikos Michalopoulos, research director of the Observatory, explained to Kathimerini. national team of Athens. According to weather forecasts, the phenomenon should begin to improve from April 24: the winds are now pushing the African dust to the east.
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Doctors’ recommendations
As reported by the Greek newspaper Ta Nea, the Hellenic Society of Pneumology explained that it is important for citizens, especially those with respiratory problems, to take precautions during periods with increased levels of African dust. Among the guidelines it is recommended: close doors and windows, limit outdoor activities, use masks when going out and drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated.
Social media
The sandstorm has sparked irony on Greek social media: “Athens has transformed into the planet of Mars” and “dromedaries will soon appear on the Parthenon” are some of the comments that can be read. The satirical page Arkas published a cartoon ironic with the Parthenon swallowed by the desert and the writing καλημέρα (Good morning).
