Sandstorm kills at least 9 in central Mauritania

By Mohamed al-Bakay

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania

At least nine people were reportedly killed Wednesday when a violent sandstorm tore through Mauritania’s Saharan Tagant region.

Several people were killed instantly -- and several others injured -- when the sandstorm struck the town of Tenbrem, locals told Anadolu Agency.

Residents said at least one home had collapsed, killing nine members of a single family. A number of other people were taken to hospital.

Mauritania has seen a spate of sandstorms and moderate rains in recent days.