Killer Sandstorm Engulfs Iran’s Capital

EXTREME WEATHER & CLIMATIC EVENTS
MAJOR SANDSTORM
SCENARIO 067
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Mega Sandstorm Whipped by Hurricane-force Winds Kills 6, Injures 30 in Tehran

At least 6 people were killed and more than 30 others injured after a freak sandstorm, whipped by winds of about 110 km/h, engulfed large parts of the Iranian capital.

Three of the victims died as the uprooted tree fell on them and another person fell down from a rooftop, AP reported an official as saying.

At least 6 people were killed and more than 30 others injured after a major sandstorm engulfed the Iranian capital, Tehran.  Photo dated Monday, June 2, 2014. (Photo credit: Xinhua/Hemmat Khahi). More photos…

The freak storm knocked down trees and cut power and phone lines, plunging the capital into darkness during the afternoon rush hour.

Temperatures plunged from 33°C to 18°C, said the state media.