Spain: Saharan Dust Blankets La Rioja

A calima — a haze caused by suspended Saharan dust — was observed across La Rioja, Spain, on April 9, 2026, as southerly winds carried fine particles northward from the African continent.

Wildfire in Spain under control after burning 500 hectares

STORY: Wildfire in Spain under control after burning 500 hectares DATELINE: Oct. 25, 2022 LENGTH: 0:01:15 LOCATION: Madrid CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of wildfire, firefighting efforts and affected areas STORYLINE: A wildfire that began on Saturday has destroyed almost 500 hectares around the towns of Balmaseda, Zalla and Gordexola in the province of Bizkaya, northern Spain. It has been brought under control, according to the Basque Regional Government on Monday. The fire also destroyed three houses in Balmaseda, while another two houses suffered damage in the fire, which was fueled by the presence of strong southerly winds on Sunday. Smoke from the fire caused some people to be evacuated from the town and also led to the cancellation of an important local gastronomic festival. Around 200 firefighters are still working to combat the flames, with the aid of several helicopters and aircraft. The head of the Basque Regional Government's security council, Josu Erkoreka, explained on Basque TV ne

Heavy sandstorm hits Kuwait

STORY: Heavy sandstorm hits Kuwait DATELINE: March 5, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:53 LOCATION: Kuwait City CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT SHOTLIST: 1. various of the heavy dust storm STORYLINE: A heavy sandstorm hit Kuwait on Friday. It's the first of its kind since the beginning of 2022. The Meteorologists department in Kuwait said that the country is experiencing instability in weather conditions, as southerly winds with speeds exceeding 60 kilometers per hour will be active. Sandstorms affect the Middle East heavily. Kuwait is one of the hardest-hit countries in this region where sandstorms come more often during spring and summer. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kuwait City. (XHTV)