Watch Powerful Sandstorm Sweep Over Nigerien Capital

10:34 GMT, 7 May 2020

Dust-laden winds and sandstorms that sweep Saharan sand through Niger and neighbouring countries out towards the Atlantic Ocean are common across West Africa during the dry season, which usually lasts from January to April.

Sputnik

Spectacular photos and videos of a massive sandstorm in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, have been shared on social networks.

One of many videos posted online shows a reddish wall of dust rising hundreds of metres above the buildings in the area.

A sandstorm can be seen sweeping over Niger's capital of Niamey. The impressive sight shows a large wall of sand engulfing buildings as it rolls over the city. https://t.co/MxaweQn3G1 pic.twitter.com/v0MlCcoeeo
— Atlantide (@Atlantide4world) May 5, 2020

The sandstorm occurred at around 2:00 p.m. on Monday, causing air traffic to temporarily stop before torrential rains arrived.

yesteraday’s sandstorm in Niamey, Niger pic.twitter.com/vKZSWnPFQH
— francesco strazzari (@franxstrax) May 5, 2020