Sandstorm in the desert: what to do?

A desert sandstorm, also called a dust storm or haboob, is a wall of wind-driven sand and dust that can appear with little warning. Visibility can fall to a few metres in seconds, the air becomes hard to breathe, and loose objects become dangerous projectiles. The safest response is to get out of the open and wait it out.

Emergency warning

Call your local emergency services immediately if someone cannot breathe, has chest pain, is missing, or if a vehicle is stranded or overturned. Sandstorms can be life-threatening, especially for people with asthma, older adults, and young children.

What is happening

Strong winds lift loose sand and fine dust from dry ground. The densest part is often a moving wall that passes in minutes to hours, but fine dust can linger in the air long after the visible wall has gone. The main hazards are loss of visibility, eye and lung irritation, and disorientation if you leave shelter.

What to do first

1. Get indoors or into a vehicle. A building with closed windows and doors is best. A car with windows up and air conditioning on recirculate is a good second choice.
2. Close all windows, doors, and vents. Seal gaps under doors with a towel or tape if dust is blowing in.
3. Protect your airways. Breathe through a damp cloth, a scarf, or a well-fitting mask if you must be outside briefly.
4. If caught outside with no shelter, turn your back to the wind, crouch low behind a rock, wall, or vehicle, cover your nose and mouth, and wait. Do not try to walk to safety through zero visibility.
5. If driving, pull as far off the road as you safely can, turn off your lights (so following drivers do not mistake them for the road), set hazard lights, and stay buckled inside. Do not stop in the travel lane.

What NOT to do

• Do not try to outrun a sandstorm on foot or by driving into it.
• Do not leave your vehicle to look for help unless it is an absolute emergency.
• Do not rub your eyes; rinse with clean water if sand gets in.
• Do not use contact lenses during a dust event if you can avoid it.
• Do not assume the storm is over when the wind drops; dust can return.

When to seek professional care

Seek medical help if anyone has persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, or eye pain that does not improve after rinsing. People with asthma or other lung conditions should follow their personal action plan and call emergency services if symptoms are severe.

What to monitor

Watch local weather alerts and visibility reports. Keep listening for updates on wind speed and duration. Check on children, older adults, and anyone with breathing problems. After the storm, check for damage to vehicles and shelters before going back outside.

How to prevent it

Before travelling in desert regions, check the forecast and carry water, a face covering, goggles, a torch, and a charged phone. Know the nearest solid shelter. If you live in a dust-prone area, keep windows sealed and have a plan for pets and livestock.

Stay put, protect your breathing, and wait for the storm to pass. Call emergency services if anyone is in danger.

This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call your local emergency services.