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Air quality in the Region of Murcia has been severely affected in recent days by the presence of calima, a meteorological phenomenon in which fine particles of dust, sand or ash remain suspended in the air. The dense, hazy atmosphere has reduced visibility and worsened respiratory conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups.

 

For this Wednesday August 27, the forecast pointed to partly cloudy skies with intervals of low morning cloud. Cloud cover was expected to build in the northern mountains of the region, bringing the possibility of scattered light rain. The calima dust in suspension was predicted to gradually dissipate from midday.

 

In Lorca, however, the situation has been especially serious. The town has been placed on alert level 3 due to the intrusion of the Saharan dust, according to the Councillor for the Environment, María Hernández.

 

“We are implementing the Municipal Action Framework Protocol for environmental episodes of NO2 and PM10 pollution. Yesterday, August 26, the daily average of PM10 at the Lorca station was 101.79 µg/m3, which means that level 3 alert has been declared, as established in the PM10 framework protocol, due to the presence of air masses of African origin over the south-east of the peninsula,” explained Hernández.

 

Forecasts warned that concentrations of dust could reach between 20 and 500 μg/m3 in the southeast of Spain, with the possibility of dry dust deposits throughout the day.

 

To help reduce pollution, Lorca has introduced a series of temporary measures. Public transport is being offered free of charge to discourage the use of private vehicles, while ORA-regulated parking spaces in the La Alberca and Los Ángeles areas next to the Mercadona supermarket are also free, as is already the case during August.

 

Health authorities recommend that vulnerable people use FFP2 or FFP3 masks for protection and, in severe cases, remain indoors. Other advice includes adjusting the cooling systems in homes and public buildings, sharing vehicles, using public transport, driving efficiently and reducing speed.

 

Calima dust is known to aggravate coughs and respiratory conditions, posing a risk to those with existing health problems. Calima is a common occurrence in southern Spain, but its intensity over the past few days has brought renewed concern for public health and wellbeing.

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca