By Lukman Abdulmalik
Kano metropolis on Saturday woke up to a heavy haze of dust accompanied by biting cold weather, forcing many residents to stay indoors and disrupting normal economic activities across the city.
Major roads that are usually busy in the early hours appeared unusually quiet, while several markets, shops, and business centres opened much later than usual as traders and commuters struggled to cope with the harsh conditions.
A visit to parts of the city, including Dorayi, Gaida, Yandanko, Panshekara and Zawachiki, showed reduced vehicular movement and poor visibility caused by dust-laden winds sweeping across the metropolis.
Findings revealed that the dust and strong winds extended to the outskirts of the city and neighbouring states, restricting smooth movement of vehicles along major highways.
Many air and road travellers expressed frustration, noting that the weather conditions disrupted their schedules and delayed planned activities.
Several residents, especially parents and people with underlying health conditions, said they avoided early morning outings to protect themselves from the cold and dusty atmosphere.
“I kept my children indoors this morning because the weather is extremely cold and dusty,” said Hajiya Zainab Musa, a resident of Gaida.
“Once you step outside, you feel the dust in your chest, and even going to work early became very difficult,” she added.
Asthmatic patients and individuals with respiratory conditions expressed heightened concern, describing the weather as dangerous to their health.
“For people like us living with asthma, this kind of weather is very risky,” said Safiya Lawan, an asthmatic patient living in Zawachiki.
“If I inhale too much dust, I start struggling to breathe, so I had to remain indoors and rely on my inhaler,” she explained.
Another resident, Sadiq Bello, a commercial tricycle operator, said the weather negatively affected his daily income.
“By 6 a.m. the roads are usually busy, but today there were very few passengers because many people stayed indoors due to the cold,” he said.
Health experts have warned that dusty and cold weather conditions, common during the harmattan season, can trigger asthma attacks, cough, catarrh, chest infections, and eye irritation if precautions are not taken.
A public health expert, Dr. Ismail Abdulkarim, advised residents to wear face masks outdoors, avoid unnecessary exposure to dust, drink plenty of water, and ensure children and the elderly are properly clothed against the cold.
“People living with asthma or other respiratory illnesses should strictly limit outdoor activities during dusty periods and always keep their medications within reach,” he added.
Agricultural and climate experts also cautioned farmers to protect livestock from extreme cold and dust, warning that such conditions can cause stress, reduced productivity, and increased vulnerability to diseases among animals.
Meteorologists explained that the weather was caused by dry, dust-filled winds blowing from the Sahara Desert, a seasonal harmattan phenomenon expected to persist in the coming days.
Residents have therefore been advised to follow weather updates closely, take necessary health precautions, and seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties or other weather-related symptoms.
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