What's the difference between a dust storm and a dust devil? Kuya Kim explains

Have you ever been caught in a strong wind blowing dust outdoors? You may have encountered either a dust storm or a dust devil.

What's the difference between the two, how are they formed, and what can you do to stay safe and avoid them?

According to Kuya Kim's report on "24 Oras," Sunday, a dust storm forms when strong winds carry a large amount of dust and sand from the ground to the atmosphere.

This can happen even if the winds are only going at a rate of 40 kilometers per hour.

Some people also call a dust storm a sandstorm, but there is a difference between the two depending on what particles are flown about by the winds.

If a sand or dust storm reaches 1,5000 meters high, it's called a haboob or violent dust or sandstorm. When it's particularly strong, it can create a "wall of dust."

Samuel Duran, PAGASA senior weather specialist, said, "Nangyayari 'yan sa mga disyertong lugar, and then 'yong mga thunderclouds kung minsan ay hindi nakakapag-produce ng ulan sa mga region na kung saan 'yong mga disyerto."

"'Yong ulan na dapat ibabagsak niya, nae-encounter niya ay warm air. Ngayon, itong hangin na ito ang nagpu-push sa mga sand para magkaroon ng front," said Duran.

If there's no thunderstorm clouds, however, what is formed is not a dust storm but a dust devil.

"Nangyayari siya kapag mainit 'yung ating panahon. Dapat meron kang thunderstorm cloud para makapag-produce ka ng dust storm. Tapos 'yung isa naman, dust devil, wala," said Duran.

If you do encounter a dust storm, it's advisable not to drive and just stay inside your home and close the door and windows.

Be sure to also cover your nose and mouth with a mask or wet cloth to avoid exposure to dust particles.

—Kimberly Tsao/MGP, GMA Integrated News