VIDEO: Dust Storm Covers Earthquake-hit Cities in Turkey

A dust storm has blanketed cities in southeastern Turkey affected by the earthquake. No further details have been provided about the situation of the people in the earthquake-stricken areas.

The dust (sand) storm is an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by winds and the transportation of large amounts of soil. It occurs at ground level, reaching several meters high, and impairs horizontal visibility. Generally, it arises in desert and semi-desert regions during the warm months of the year.

Additionally, the material damage caused by Turkey's devastating earthquakes amounts to $34.2 billion (645 billion 884 million 100 thousand Turkish lira). Continuing aftershocks may further increase the extent of the damage over time.

The earthquake region includes several of Turkey's provinces with the highest levels of poverty. Nearly 50 percent of Syrian refugees—over 1.7 million—are situated in this area, and 1.25 million people have been left temporarily homeless due to the complete or partial collapse of buildings.