853 Israelis treated for sandstorm-related health problems

Hundreds of Israelis are treated by rescue services for breathing difficulties due to the dense sandstorm passing through Israel’s skies since early Tuesday.

More than 853 people are treated by Magen David Adom for sandstorm-related health problems, the organization says. At least 565 of them suffer from shortness of breath, asthma attacks and lung diseases, and more than 288 from worsening heart disease symptoms.

“MDA is on alert due to the dust and the accompanying heatwave,” says MDA director Eli Bin, and calls on Israelis to pay close attention to those who may be especially susceptible to the unusual weather, including those with heart or breathing difficulties, the elderly and children.

Meteorologists say the dust and heatwave are expected to last at least another two days.