An "unprecedented" sandstorm has hit several regions in the Bekaa, North and South of Lebanon on Tuesday, bringing visibility to extremely low levels.

George Kettaneh, the Red Cross official, said the number of people hospitalized as a result of the sandstorm has risen to 130, the Annahar daily reported.

Kettaneh said 130 people complaining of respiratory difficulties in the eastern Bekaa Valley and northern district of Akkar were taken to hospitals on Monday night and early Tuesday.

He advised those having asthma problems not to leave their homes.

The Meteorological Department at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport described the storm as "unprecedented" in Lebanon, expecting the storm to last a few more days.

According to the National News Agency, the Traffic Management Center, meanwhile, advised drivers to be cautious to avoid accidents because of low visibility. Endit

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