A meteorologist at the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Frederick Cudjoe, has cautioned Ghanaians to take steps to prevent fire outbreaks and allergic reactions as the harmattan season approaches.
He advised that it was important to drink plenty of water to remain hydrated and avoid setting fires on farms.
Speaking in an interview on “Nyankonton Mu Nsem” on Rainbow Radio, he said that due to the high level of dust in the atmosphere, it would be necessary for people to wear masks.
”We encourage the public to handle fire cautiously to avoid outbreaks as the Harmattan season sets in. As we approach the season, we will experience dry and dusty winds, a characteristic feature of the Harmattan season. A little spark of fire can lead to an outbreak, and so the public must take caution to prevent outbreaks.”
He explained that the change in weather pattern was occasioned by “intense dry northeasterly winds accompanied by dusty conditions from the Sahel (Niger, Chad, and Sudan)” and would be witnessed in areas including the northern, transition, middle, and coastal sectors.
To those who sell food, he also advised them to put in measures to prevent dust from entering the food they sell, since that could affect public health and safety.
To drivers, he admonished that they should reduce their speed, use fog lights where available, and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly during peak hours of dust accumulation.
Source: Rainbowonline
