A severe dust storm swept through Libya on Tuesday, causing low visibility and leading to the temporary grounding of flights at Benghazi and Tripoli international airports. Libya, located in the Sahara Desert, is no stranger to dust storms, with these events being a common occurrence during the spring months, particularly peaking in April. Dust storms are created when strong winds from thunderstorms lift dry soil particles into the air, carrying dust and sand over long distances.
The city most heavily impacted by the storm was Benghazi, the second-largest city in Libya, where a thick orange haze blanketed the area, creating an otherworldly atmosphere akin to scenes from the movie “Dune.” The surreal moments captured during the storm showcase the city’s transformation under the orange sky.