Gale force winds battered Bahrain yesterday (February 1), sparking several warnings to motorists, seafarers and patients with chronic diseases.

The country's biggest hospital experienced a rush of patients with breathing difficulties and asthma.

The strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 30 knots at times, were accompanied by thick dust haze all over the country as visibility was reduced to less than 1,000 metres at Bahrain International Airport.

Civil Aviation Affairs meteorology directorate official said this would continue over the weekend, as temperatures would dramatically drop.

"These south-easterly winds are normal at this time of the year," he said. "We have issued a warning for high-velocity winds, so people should be careful."

Temperatures dropped as low as 17C yesterday and Bahrain could experience another cold snap, as temperatures could plummet to 12C tomorrow.

Meanwhile, doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex's Accident and Emergency department treated several patients with breathing difficulties and asthma.

"People with chronic conditions, particularly asthma and heart disease, should try and stay indoors when there is a dust haze because this can aggravate their condition," said a doctor.

He said all those who went to the hospital with such conditions were either discharged after treatment or referred to their respective health centres.

The Coastguard issued warnings for fishermen and seafarers to exercise "extreme caution" for their own safety.

The Interior Ministry also released a statement, advising drivers to be careful today as high-velocity winds could hinder traffic flow. At several places, large hoardings were knocked down by the wind but no injuries were reported. – TradeArabia News Service