Sand and dust storms hurt more people and cost more money each year, a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows, according to a press release. The storms hit 330 million people in over 150 countries. Each year, about 2,000 million tons of sand and dust go into the air—that’s like 307 Great Pyramids of Giza worth of particles.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo says these storms “do not just mean dirty windows and hazy skies” but seriously hurt people’s health and cost millions in damage. The group’s annual report tracks where storms hit hardest and shows why countries need better warning systems.
Most dust comes from North African and Middle Eastern deserts. But wind carries these particles thousands of kilometers away, hitting places far from where they start. While dust storms happen naturally, humans make them worse through bad farming, poor water use, and land damage. Some areas saw higher dust levels in 2024 than the long-term average, even though global levels dropped slightly.
The costs add up fast. Airlines cancel flights when they can’t see through the dust. Farmers lose crops when storms bury their fields. Solar panels stop working when dust covers them. People get sick from breathing the tiny particles, which can cause breathing problems and heart disease. All this damage costs countries millions of dollars each year.
WMO runs a warning system that helps predict when and where storms will hit. The group works with research centers around the world to track dust movements and warn communities before storms arrive. Better warnings help people protect themselves and their property.
The report makes a simple point: spend money now on dust monitoring and warnings, or pay much more later in health costs and damage. Countries that prepare for dust storms save lives and money, while those caught off guard face problems they could have avoided.
