Termiz engulfed in dust as strong dust storm

Termiz, Surkhandarya region and its neighboring areas are currently battling a severe dust storm, which began today. The city has been shrouded in a thick blanket of dust, causing reduced visibility and leading to unusual measures such as turning on night lights during the day. The alarming situation was reported by Erkin Abdulahadov, a renowned climatologist and leading expert at Uzgidromet.

According to Abdulahadov, the dust storm is expected to primarily affect the central and eastern parts of the Surkhandarya region, sparing other areas from its direct impact.

The current conditions in Termiz are challenging, with visibility reduced to a mere 200 meters as of 10:00 a.m. local time. Residents are grappling with the disruptive effects of the storm as the swirling dust engulfs the city.

Experts have highlighted that this dust storm serves as another distressing reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by drought and desertification in the region. The alarming frequency and intensity of such events are clear indicators of the rapid environmental degradation occurring in Surkhandarya.

Furthermore, the adverse weather conditions have also affected the local airport. The visibility distance on the airport runway has been limited to just 500 meters. With winds gusting at a speed of 11 meters per second, pilots face additional challenges during takeoff and landing procedures.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to mitigate the effects of the dust storm. Residents have been advised to take necessary precautions, such as staying indoors, wearing masks to filter the dust particles, and keeping windows and doors tightly shut to minimize the dust's entry into their homes.

As Termiz battles this latest dust storm, the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of climate change becomes even more apparent. The Surkhandarya region and its communities require substantial support and resources to address the escalating environmental concerns they face.

The dust storm serves as a stark reminder that urgent action is necessary to protect the region's natural resources, livelihoods, and the well-being of its residents.