In pictures: Cairo turns orange as sandstorm sweeps Egypt

A man covers his face as the sandstorm hits near the River Nile in Cairo

An orange cloud has swept through Cairo, forcing people to take cover in buildings as strong winds brought thick dust to the Egyptian capital.

Several ports were reportedly closed and officials at Cairo airport said the sandstorm had caused flight delays.

Egypt's health ministry advised people with respiratory problems to avoid leaving their homes until the storm on Wednesday had passed.

While some used surgical masks to filter the dust, others chose to hide under their coats

Motorists complained of reduced visibility on the main roads in and out of the city

A police speedboat travels on the River Nile during the sandstorm

Witnesses said "the colour of the air is changing", describing it as "some kind of fog"

Some took to social media to post images of the effects of the storm.

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