• A dust storm, or sandstorm, is a phenomenon common in hot and dry climates. Dust storms are also known as Haboob, which is Arabic for violent wind.
• The strong storms can develop in many parts of the world and can travel for thousands of miles or even across oceans.

Mechanism:- A dust storm requires a large availability of dust, and enough sustained wind to lift the particles. Dust storms also commonly occur with thunderstorms before it is about to rain. The rain water does not manage to reach the ground as it is evaporated by the heat. This causes the air to cool down, meaning there is an area of cold air sitting above the warm air on the ground. The cold air comes down in a down-burst which splashes against the surface which kicks the dust upwards.

• The recent storm was aided by ‘ideal’ conditions that magnified its intensity.

o There was huge thunderstorm complex that swept through the area overnight, generating high winds that also carried lots of dust.
o Temperatures in Rajasthan reached 45oC.
o There was presence of easterly wind that brought in moisture.
o The intensity of western disturbances increased.

• Unsustainable farming practices have deteriorated the soil profile aiding the erosion.

• There were more deaths also due to lack of disaster resilient infrastructure.

Impact of dust storms

• It leads to loss of life and property as witnessed in North India.
• They are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.
• They carry harmful particles that increase the spread of diseases across the globe. Virus spores in the ground are blown in the air and spread through acid rain or urban smog.
• Inhaling dust affects the respiratory system. Prolonged exposure to dust can cause silicosis, which leads to lung cancer.
• They also put people in danger of keratoconjunctivitis sicca or 'dry eyes', which, if left untreated, may lead to visual impairment or blindness.
• They get deposited in the Ocean changing the salinity of the waters and affecting the marine ecology.

Way Forward:-

• There is a need to check desertification which is affecting nearly one-fourth of the nation.
• Sustainable farming practices like Permaculture, organic farming should be encouraged in areas with degraded soil.
• There should be adoption of practices that reduce dust formation in Urban areas at construction sites, unpaved roads etc.
• There needs to be more investment in disaster resilient infrastructure like storm shelters.