A severe episode of African dust has pushed air pollution levels in Cyprus to extremely hazardous levels, according to an emergency bulletin issued by the Department of Meteorology. The phenomenon began in the early hours of the morning and is expected to persist until Saturday morning.
Authorities report that concentrations of suspended particles remain very high at intervals, while the evolution of the episode continues to be closely monitored.
Extreme readings in Nicosia
Conditions are particularly heavy in Nicosia, where PM₁₀ concentrations reached 667 micrograms per cubic metre of air, significantly exceeding the normal limit of 50 μg/m³ and recording levels more than 13 times higher than the recommended threshold.
At the same time, the smaller particulate matter PM₂.₅ exceeded 200 μg/m³, reaching levels four times higher than the threshold classified as “very high” pollution.
Highest levels recorded in Agia Marina Xyliatou
Even more dramatic readings were recorded in Agia Marina Xyliatou, where PM₁₀ levels surged to 2,030 μg/m³, more than 40 times above the normal limit.
PM₂.₅ concentrations in the same area reached 476 μg/m³, nearly five times higher than the “very high” pollution threshold, confirming the extreme intensity of the dust episode.
According to measurements taken at 06:00, Paphos and Larnaca recorded pollution at red alert levels, while Limassol ranged between orange and yellow levels. Other areas reported comparatively lower concentrations.
