Several hospitals in the Eastern Province reported crowding as people sought treatment for breathing difficulty, asthma and other allergies caused by a strong dust storm that hit the region Monday night and continued Tuesday. The daytime sky was reddish as a thick layer of dust blanketed the city and its outskirts, reducing visibility to less than 300 meters in some areas and almost nil in others. People stayed indoors. The Corniche and parks wore a deserted look. The emergency department at Dammam Medical Complex and Qatif Central Hospital received several cases of patients suffering from allergies and asthma because of dust inhalation. Traffic accidents were reported. Several schools canceled outdoor activities. Pharmacies and neighborhood stores did a brisk business selling face masks.
