People hospitalised due to Saharan Dust, TTMS updates 

Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) reported an increase in Saharan Dust, which is currently affecting the quality of the air in the Twin Islands. As a result, most people are complaining about respiratory issues.

The Chief executive officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA), Davlin Thomas, confirmed that there was an increase in cases related to respiratory issues when they visited the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department and clinics in the North Central region. 

Notably, this happened as a result of the Saharan Air layer (SAL) or Saharan dust. 

As per TTMS, they believed that the cases have been linked to the people who are visiting emergency departments for the testing of asthma, respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

An official from TTMS stated that yesterday’s air was very polluted due to the increase in Saharan Dust. That’s why most of the areas across Trinidad were dull and grey. 

Moreover, the areas affected by the dust are Port-of-Spain, Mt Hope, Belmont, San Fernando and Tacarigua. 

It is to be noted that Saharan dust is a dry, warm and dust-laden layer of air that occurs over the Sahara Desert of North Africa and spread from the earth’s surface to several kilometres. 

TTMS officials urged the people of sensitive groups such as the elderly, children and people with respiratory illness and allergies to stay safe as they are at high risk. 

In their remarks, TTMS officials noted the patients suffering from respiratory problems, especially those with asthma, sinus problems, allergies, and those with or recovering from the flu. 

Many schools cautioned parents and guardians about the effects of the Saharan dust. They also suggested caretakers ensure the necessary medication when the children attend the classes. 

People across the regions have shared their concerns due to an increase in dust. 

While reacting to the news, a person named Stella Dylen commented, “I suffer with sinus, so that’s why I have to wear my masks all day with this Saharan dust. It really bad this week.”

Another person added, “It does affect me very bad because I have to get medication and it’s very difficult to breathe.”