A heavy dust storm swept across Libya on Tuesday, reducing visibility and forcing the temporary suspension of flights at two international airports in Benghazi and Tripoli.
The country, which lies in the Sahara Desert, is prone to dust storms. A seasonal phenomenon, dust storms generally occur in the spring, peaking in April. They are formed when strong winds from thunderstorms pick up loose dry soil, carrying dust and sand in the air long distances.
The eastern coastal city of Benghazi, the second largest city in Libya and the area more severely affected by the storm, was seen covered with a dense orange haze. Check out the surreal scenes, reminiscent of Dune, below.
