Recent Natural Disasters | Calamities | Hazards

Sandstorm in Kathmandu, Nepal temporarily closed the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for around 65 minutes. Strong winds gusting with a maximum speed close to 80 km/hr hit Kathmandu valley Saturday evening.

Much of China's northwest regions were blanketed by sandstorm on Wednesday evening. Many areas in the Beijing recorded PM10 air pollution causing traffic jams in most major districts of the city, South China Morning Post reported.

The freak sandstorm in Riyadh has caused chaos on the city’s streets and the cancellation of all flights at King Khaled International Airport (KKIA). The high-velocity winds and poor visibility grounded the flights at airport. All incoming flights were diverted to neighboring countries including Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, Arab News reported.

Sandstorm in Fujairah region of United Arab Emirates (UAE) today has claimed lives of two people. "The sandstorm caused a road accident on Dibba-Masafi Road leading to death of two UAE nationals," The Gulf Today has written quoting Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Al Hassani, Head of Public Relations and Information at the GHQ of Fujairah Police.

A sandstorm mixed with heavy rain hit the Wilayat of Mahout in the Governorate of Al Wusta, The Ministry of Information said. Rockfall has closed the Faj al Kham road. Local flooding also hit Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, the Sultanate of Oman added. Oman floods in 2007 caused by Cyclone Gonu had claimed lives of at least 50 people. Original post: Natural Disasters List August 17, 2013

A sandstorm in Northern Nevada has killed one and injured two others, ABC News reported. Sandstorm caused a 26-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 about 160 miles northeast of Reno. Injured people are having treatment at a Winnemucca hospital. Original post: Natural Disasters List June 11, 2013