Dust storm sparks urgent health warning after driest July in 20 years
A potentially dangerous dust storm tipped to hit South Australia has sparked an urgent health warning.
Asthma sufferers are being urged to stay indoors, with strong winds expected to lash large parts of the state, including Adelaide, from Thursday afternoon.
It is feared the winds will whip up dust from properties left parched by South Australia’s driest July in almost 20 years.
Health experts are urging anyone with asthma and other respiratory or cardiac conditions to stay indoors.
While it is not expected to be as serious as Victoria’s deadly thunderstorm asthma event in 2016, authorities are urging South Australians not to take any chances.
“We’re advising people to absolutely avoid exercising in dust. Stay indoors and activate personal treatment plans,” said SA Health’s Professor Paddy Phillips.
Schools in the affected areas are also being urged to keep students with asthma indoors.
Thankfully the front is expected to bring some showers, which should help settle all of that dust.
