Severe sandstorm hits Egypt on Wednesday, schools suspended to protect students.

Egypt is currently experiencing a strong desert low-pressure system, prompting the General Authority for Meteorology to issue urgent warnings of a severe sandstorm hitting several governorates. Wind speeds ranging between 70 and 80 km/h have caused a significant decrease in horizontal visibility, dropping to less than 500 meters in areas like Matrouh, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, south and east of Cairo, Giza, and Suez. Additionally, coastal, Luxor, and Aswan governorates will experience windy conditions stirring up sand and dust, with wind speeds ranging between 40 and 60 km/h, reducing visibility to less than 1000 meters. In light of these adverse weather conditions, the Egyptian government has decided to suspend classes in all schools nationwide today, Wednesday, to ensure the safety of students and teachers. Minister of Education, Mohamed Abdel Latif, confirmed that the holiday is due to the expected weather conditions that could negatively impact the educational process. Minister of Local Development, Dr. Manal Awad, has instructed all governors to elevate preparedness to face the effects of the sandstorm, including coordinating with water, electricity, and sanitation companies to swiftly address any malfunctions or reports. Furthermore, it was emphasized to ensure the readiness of relief and emergency equipment to deal with any developments that may arise due to the storm. This storm coincides with warm temperatures across most parts of Egypt, exacerbating its negative effects on daily activities. The General Authority for Meteorology warned that reduced visibility could increase the risk of traffic accidents, urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid open areas, especially in areas experiencing severe visibility reduction.