Severe dust storm engulfs Ouargla, Algeria, reducing visibility to near zero

A severe dust storm enveloped Ouargla, Algeria, at approximately 13:30 local time (LT) on Wednesday, May 14, turning the early afternoon sky into a deep red and reducing visibility to near-zero. Local reports described the scene as apocalyptic, with dense clouds of sand and dust rapidly covering the region.

The storm was fueled by strong winds exceeding 70 km/h (43 mph) and extended from Ouargla city to Hassi Messaoud and surrounding areas.

As a result, traffic came to a standstill, and National Road No. 53A, connecting Borma and Hassi Messaoud,was closed.

Algeria’s Office National de Météorologie issued a Special Weather Bulletin on Tuesday. It placed Ouargla under an “Orange” vigilance level for strong winds and sandstorms, forecasting wind speeds up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

References:

¹ Des vents forts à partir de mercredi sur plusieurs wilayas du sud du pays – Algérie Presse Service – May 13, 2025

² Maltempo Algeria, tempesta di sabbia a Ouargla – Video – Meteo.it – May 15, 2025

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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