….”Intensity of harmattan haze may surpass previous year’s” – Experts
ASHENEWS reports that experts in Sokoto have expressed worry over the potential intensity of harmattan haze and its far-reaching effects on the environment and public health.
The experts in exclusive interviews with ASHENEWS, also warn that the harmattan haze this year might surpass that of last year.
A climatologist with the Department of Geography of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Prof. Aliyu Tambuwal explained that the severity of harmattan haze is closely tied to pressure variations.
According to him, the high pressure over the source indicates intense dust transportation, which contributes to severe haze.
Quoting NIMET’s projections, Tambuwal stressed that “this year’s harmattan may surpass the severity of the previous year.”
He outlined the environmental challenges, including pollutants settling on open water bodies and trees, disrupting ecosystems and affecting biodiversity.
Elaborating on environmental impacts, Prof. Tambuwal explained, “On the tree, the pollutants disturb the fluid and flowering. On the climate, the haze blocks the direct contact between the sun and the land surface, making the temperature cold, especially at night.”
Also commenting, an environmental health expert, Ahmad Abubakar, told ASHENEWS that harmattan haze increases respiratory illnesses, which he attributes to dry and dusty winds blowing from the Sahara Desert.
He mentioned the illnesses to include common cold, catarrh, asthma, pneumonia, and dryness of the skin.
According to him, although, no specific campaigns target harmattan haze in Sokoto, communal approach, and collaborative efforts led by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders could help with sensitisation campaigns.
He said that community engagement units in healthcare facilities, are actively involved in prevention, treatment, and management of harmattan-related illnesses.
He urged residents, especially children and the elderly, to wear protective clothes, avoid unnecessary fires, and ensure the proper covering of food and water sources to mitigate risks.
