21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Sandstorm hitting our camp 1

Sandstorms are becoming increasingly unpredictable in the Hamada Desert. In Samara Camp in the Hamada Desert, where I live with my family, they can hit -and any time of the day! And when they hit, they cause huge damage to the already fragile infrastructure of the community. They blow away the roofs, uproot tents and hurt people. Their roaring soundscapes are no less breathtaking than their visual presence. They are absolutely frightening. At that moment, I knew I only had a few minutes to capture this incredible scene and reality. Then I had to find a safe spot to hide.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Tindouf, Algeria
Copyright: © Mohamed Sleiman Labat