For the fourth consecutive day, Dakar, the Senegalese capital, finds itself veiled in a dusty haze from the Sahara, prompting residents to wear facemasks reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Senegalese authorities issue warnings of “very poor air quality,” cautioning vulnerable groups about potential health risks. The situation is anticipated to improve starting Sunday, as weather forecasters attribute the phenomenon to a pollution peak linked to desert-origin particles from the Sahara.
The entire West African country is affected, with Dakar experiencing “very poor overall” air quality, exceeding recommended particle concentrations by almost 20 times, as reported by the air quality management center.
Senegal’s National Civil Aviation and Meteorology Agency highlights a “high” health risk for individuals with respiratory illnesses, young children, and the elderly. While such events are common from mid-November to late March, lasting at least three days, prolonged occurrences beyond a week would raise concerns, according to experts.
