Eastern Province experienced a heavy sandstorm Wednesday, reducing visibility to 100 meters and affecting business in the region. The sandstorm, enveloping the region early morning, prevented many employees from reporting to their jobs on time and caused at least 47 traffic accidents during the rush period. Many construction companies cancelled their outdoor jobs, particularly those located within the first and second Dammam industrial cities. Works at many of the projects in Jubail Industrial City were also stopped, according to contractors. “The sandstorm descended on the Eastern Province traveling up to 45 knots and was expected to last for 24 hours, swirling from the upper part of the Kingdom from northwest and moving towards the eastern region,” a weather forecaster at the Dhahran Office of the Meteorology and Environmental Protection Administration said. Riyadh was also hit by a sandstorm, affecting as well the population and work activities, according to the forecaster. In Eastern Province, the forecaster advised travelers to check with airport officials at King Fahd International Airport for possible cancellation of flights, while shipping companies were urged to contact port management authorities for sailing bulletin. The International Indian School Dammam cancelled the 2009 Health Fitness Run scheduled for Wednesday and rescheduled it a week later. Police had difficulties directing traffic at busy intersections, urging motorists to slow down. A number of shops were also closed. Many workers and students coming from Al-Ahsa and Jubail were forced to cancel their trip to Dammam. “In situation like this, people are encouraged to stay indoors; while those working should call their employers for instruction,” the forecaster said. “We do not tell companies to refrain their workers from reporting for work, but the health of the workers is their responsibility.” The coming of the sandstorm had been forecasted three days ago, according to the MEPA. Traffic police banned all trailers and other heavy trucks from the road until the sandstorm settles down. In the stretch of the Riyadh-Abqaiq, several vehicle collisions were reported, causing the death of a Saudi national.
