(SenePlus) – According to information reported by Bloomberg, the Senegalese capital has climbed to the top of the world ranking of the most polluted cities, even surpassing megacities like New Delhi and Dhaka. The index established by the Swiss platform IQAir recorded a worrying score of 392 for Dakar on Wednesday, well beyond the acceptable threshold set at 101.
This critical situation is explained by a seasonal natural phenomenon: the Harmattan, a dry wind loaded with Saharan dust which blows over West Africa from the end of November to March. As Abdoulaye Diouf, a forecasting engineer at the National Civil Aviation Agency, explains, “a particularly intense dust episode” is currently affecting northern Senegal and should spread to the entire country before stabilizing this weekend. .
The data is alarming: “The concentration of particles in outdoor air exceeds 1000 micrograms per cubic meter”, indicates Diouf, double the usual average and more than 22 times the recommendation of the World Health Organization set at 45 micrograms. Visibility in Dakar is expected to drop to “500 meters or less” according to forecasts.
The health consequences are of particular concern to health professionals. Dr. Oumar Ba, from the pulmonology department of the Yoff General Hospital in Dakar, emphasizes that it is “a real concern, particularly for respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis, and in children who are often more fragile.” He estimates that around 10% of the population suffers from lung problems, a proportion probably higher in the capital.
The economic impact is also significant, particularly for the fishing community. Omar Drame, general secretary of a fishermen's union in Dakar, explains the increased risks: “The risk of stranding or collision with other boats increases, not to mention the impact on the health of fishermen.” In Soumbedioune, only a few sailors equipped with GPS still dare to take to the sea, as confirmed by Issa Fall, coordinator of the local fishing association.
The daily life of Dakar residents is turned upside down. Mamadou Diop, eight-time Senegalese triathlon champion, had to adapt his activities: “Pushing your body outdoors in these conditions is really not an option.” Health authorities recommend avoiding outdoor sporting activities and advise vulnerable people to stay indoors and wear masks.
This meteorological phenomenon, which can persist for several days or even weeks depending on atmospheric conditions, continues to severely affect the quality of life of residents of the Senegalese capital, raising growing concerns about the deterioration of air quality in the area. region.
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