‘Apocalyptic’ Sandstorm Engulfs Egypt’s Aswan

Post by Yousry Aref.

Aref posted on his Facebook account that this was the biggest dust storm he had ever witnessed in Aswan.

“Everything is [down] at this moment…no light, no internet,” posted Aref before adding that the dust was very thick, “I almost suffocated from the sand ! Every thing turned into an orange light only and you can’t see any thing [outside] the windows.”

According to state media, one South African tourist is missing in Aswan following the sandstorm. Al-Ahram reported that the storm sank a boat carrying tourists on the Nile, leaving one South African passenger missing. Six other toruists, including another South African, there Australians, three Egyptians and one Pole were rescued.

Al-Ahram also reported that the Crocodile Museum in Kom Ombo suffered damage when its roof collapsed. The Museum was opened in 2012 and exhibits a collection of mummified crocodiles found in Ancient Egypt.

Meanwhile, Aswan’s governor stated that the sandstorm left significant damage in the city, including the destruction of at least four houses were destroyed. The storm also left 216 fallen palm trees.