Massive sandstorm sweeps Middle East, killing at least 8

A tremendous sandstorm has struck the western parts of the Middle East, killing at least eight people and causing respiratory problems for hundreds more.

The massive and dense sandstorm hit vast areas of Syria on Monday and shrouded larger regions of the Middle East on Tuesday as it spread to Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Cyprus, Iraq, and Turkey.

The unseasonal storm has also sent at least 10 people to hospitals in Cyprus so far.

Health officials in the Mediterranean island have warned that the concentration of dust particles in the air was many times above normal levels and advised people to limit their time outdoors.

The giant storm has reportedly reached the Egyptian capital Cairo obscuring the skyline with a thick haze.