Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

Beware of Sahara Dust surge impacting local air quality– DDM

-Conditions to be worst this afternoon Saturday, Oct 9, 2021 into Sunday
October 9th, 2021 | Tags: Sahara dust DDM Asthma respiratory illness BVI
With a fresh surge of Saharan dust currently hovering over the territory, the Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has issued a warning to persons with respiratory illnesses such as Asthma, to beware of the conditions. Photo: DDM/Facebook
DDM says the wearing of protective eyewear and surgical masks including N95, P95 and P99 is being encouraged. Photo: VINO/File
DDM says the wearing of protective eyewear and surgical masks including N95, P95 and P99 is being encouraged. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - With a fresh surge of Saharan dust currently hovering over the territory, the Virgin Islands (VI) Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has issued a warning to persons with respiratory illnesses such as Asthma, to beware of the conditions.

According to the Department in a release today, Saturday, October 9, 2021, the worst conditions are expected between this afternoon into tomorrow Sunday.

Persons with raspatory illnesses at high risk

The DDM says the alert level is currently at two with an Air Quality Index of 40 to 70; meaning that people with respiratory issues or heart disease including the elderly and children are most a risk.  

“Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion,” the DDM warned.

Persons are being advised to limit exposure in areas where dust concentration is high and to wear masks to prevent dust from entering their system. The wearing of protective eyewear and surgical masks including N95, P95 and P99 is being encouraged.

The DDM further said, “The conditions of the constant dusty flow can cause allergic reactions like itchy & watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, dry cough, post-nasal drainage and sneezing. For those that suffer from congestion, dry cough, and sneezing, doctors recommend creating a more humid environment through a humidifier or inhaling steam as you lean over a container of hot water, taking slow and deep breaths.

Health remedies

For persons who suffer from sore throats, the department said in addition to medication if the case is severe, using two teaspoons of honey can aid in the soothing of your throat.

 “Remaining hydrated is also important. Using fresh aloe gel, mixed with fresh citrus juice provides for a great dust remedy. The anti-inflammatory agents can soothe irritation in the throat and nose, especially if you’ve been coughing,” the DDM recommended.

 

14 Responses to “Beware of Sahara Dust surge impacting local air quality– DDM ”

  • Yes (09/10/2021, 14:37) Like (22) Dislike (0) Reply
    The dust is looking more like smoke.
  • cgb (09/10/2021, 14:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is really affecting my gran dad
    • Truck boii (09/10/2021, 19:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      Pray and ask God to guide and protect him and always check up in him don't ever leave his side and make sure his windows and door are shut tight and sealed good and I respectively feel sad fuh him
  • Saharan dust, nothing new. (09/10/2021, 14:50) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    The Saharan dust that we are experiencing in the British Virgin Islands is nothing new. We are not in any position to chase it away. Yes, those with severe conditions do need to take special protective actions against its danger, but we should not worry too much about it. Just be careful. This to will pass.
  • 1st district original (09/10/2021, 14:55) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't be worst than the Covid at Pockwood pond, SMH!!
  • Linda (09/10/2021, 14:55) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I’m a senior with asthma. I stay inside and wear my mask if I’m in my yard. Better the dust than a full blown out hurricane and flooding.
  • Lol SMH (09/10/2021, 15:05) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Look how they will use this to inflate the do call virus count
  • Yes. (09/10/2021, 21:30) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is smoke. There is a volcano on the Canarie islands off Africa. Palma Volcano and it is reaching here.
  • Realist (09/10/2021, 21:34) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    now this is a real reason to wear a mask
  • First district (09/10/2021, 22:17) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    PUT POCKWOODPOND ON FIRE ON THE NEWS!!!!
  • HelprHARM (10/10/2021, 11:43) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Isn’t this dust the reason this side of the world is green and lush?


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.