It looks like Mars, but it’s Crete: the surreal images of the island wrapped in an orange cloud (due to the Sahara sandstorm)

It looks like Mars, but it's Crete: the surreal images of the island wrapped in an orange cloud (due to the Sahara sandstorm)

A surreal dawn surprised the island of Crete, where the sky turned intense orange and the air became thick with dust. A massive Saharan sandstorm has crossed the Mediterranean pushed by strong southerly winds, shrouding cities, beaches and mountains in a solid haze. The landscape, suddenly altered, reminded us of desert scenery rather than one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece. The images released show almost deserted streets, buildings covered by a reddish veil and a suspended atmosphere that attracted photographers and onlookers, but at the same time called for caution.

Reduced visibility and flights diverted to the airport

The most immediate consequences were seen in transport. At Nikos Kazantzakis international airport, visibility dropped to around 600 metres, compared to the ten kilometers considered normal. The conditions forced authorities to divert at least three flights bound for the island to other airports, including Athens, Corfu and Chania. Air traffic suffered slowdowns and tightened controls, while passengers had to wait for updates in a climate of uncertainty. The dust cloud, driven by persistent currents, also made meteorological monitoring difficult, complicating the management of airport operations.

The experts’ warning: stay indoors

Health authorities and meteorologists urged residents to limit outdoor activities. The high concentration of fine particles in the air can cause irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract, with greater risks for the elderly and frail people. In many areas people were seen wearing masks and improvised protection, while a large part of the population chose to stay at home. The air, made heavy by suspended sand, also reduced visibility on the roads, slowing down traffic and depositing a thin orange layer on cars and pavements.

A spectacular but increasingly frequent phenomenon

Saharan dust intrusions into the Mediterranean are not uncommon, but events of this intensity are attracting increasing attention. Particles lifted from African deserts can rise to kilometers of altitude and travel long distances, even reaching southern Europe. According to several scholars, climate change and desertification could favor more frequent and intense episodes, altering wind regimes and increasing dust transport. Despite the suggestive visual impact, the phenomenon represents a signal of the transformations taking place in the global climate system.

You might also be interested in:

Chris Rivers

Chris Rivers

With over 15 years of experience in journalism and a deep-seated passion for environmental sustainability, I lead the editorial team at Green Technology Investments. My background in environmental science fuels my commitment to crafting insightful and impactful content. When I'm not penning articles, you can find me exploring national parks or tending to my organic garden.