Dust Storm Turns the Sky Red in Libya

Unprecedented Dust Storm Hits Eastern and Southern Libya

An unprecedented dust storm struck several cities in eastern and southern Libya on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, leading to the suffocation of dozens of people and zero visibility on the roads, prompting a state of emergency.

The storm disrupted public life and hindered movement, amid warnings from authorities about the continued adverse weather conditions.

Tabruk Most Affected .. Rising Number of Injured

The city of Tabruk was one of the most affected cities by the storm, as the density of dust made movement difficult and visibility nearly nonexistent, with some roads disappearing.

According to an official at the Tabruk Medical Center, the hospital received about 80 people suffering from respiratory issues, with expectations of the number rising in the coming hours.

Authorities Announce Official Holiday as a Precautionary Measure

The relevant authorities in eastern Libya announced an official holiday on Wednesday and Thursday as a precautionary measure, amid warnings of the continued impact of winds and dust on neighboring cities.

Authorities also urged citizens to exercise caution and only go out for essential needs.

Rare Photos and Scenes: The Sky Turns Red

Users on social media shared rare photos showing the sky turning a deep red, with cities plunged into near-complete darkness during daylight hours.

Libyans stated that this phenomenon is the first of its kind they have witnessed, making it a terrifying and unprecedented event.

Warnings of Continued Adverse Weather Conditions

As the dust storm continues, authorities warned of the possibility of increased dust and wind intensity in the coming hours, making movement more difficult and exposing residents to respiratory risks, urging everyone to adhere to preventive measures.