• Source:JND
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Southern Israel on Wednesday was struck by an intense and unusual sandstorm, turning skies an eerie orange and plunging vast areas into a suffocating haze. The Negev Desert and the city of Beersheba bore the brunt of the storm, with visibility dropping to near zero. Winds gusted with such force that daily activities ground to a halt and several emergency protocols were triggered across the region.Meteorological authorities had warned of strong winds and fog, but few expected the severity of the storm. Temperatures along Israel’s coast soared to nearly 100°F, worsening the sandstorm's impact and sparking a series of wildfires.

Fires Sparked by Winds Prompt Widespread Evacuations

Fueled by strong desert winds, fires broke out across wooded areas between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, prompting evacuations from at least five communities. According to the police, the blazes spread rapidly and overwhelmed local resources. Firefighters from multiple regions were called in, supported by approximately 50 military firetrucks dispatched by the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

“The IAF continues assisting in the effort to extinguish the fires,” the military confirmed, noting that personnel were deployed in Jerusalem and central districts as well. Jerusalem District Fire and Rescue Commander Shmulik Friedman described the situation as potentially “the largest in Israel’s history,” according to Israeli Army Radio.

Military Bases and Daily Life Disrupted

The sandstorm’s ferocity was captured in viral footage aired on Channel 12, showing soldiers struggling to close the gates of Shivta Base in the Negev as winds roared through the compound. In Beersheba and nearby cities, residents filmed scenes of chaos as large furniture was blown through the streets and pedestrians, including two women seen in a widely shared video, struggled to walk through the sand-laden wind. Public life came to a virtual standstill in many affected areas, with transportation slowed and visibility too poor for safe driving or outdoor movement.

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National Events Cancelled Amid Crisis

The Israeli government took the rare step of cancelling the live ceremony for the country’s 77th Independence Day, citing safety concerns and harsh weather conditions. In its place, a pre-recorded version of the ceremony was aired on national television on Wednesday evening. The storm, coupled with the fires, left Israel facing an environmental and humanitarian challenge. As emergency services continued firefighting efforts late into the night, the country braced for potential aftereffects in the days to come.

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