At least ten homes were destroyed as highwaves pounded Egypt's Sinai, officials and witnesses said Saturday. Abu Zinema area in Southern Sinai Governorate saw the highest waves and rescue services used rubber rafts to search for the injured and those trapped in their homes, an official said. The Governor, Mohamed Abdul Latif Shousha ordered an urgen compensation of 1,000 for each family whose home was damaged. In another development, fire spread across el-Attaka port as firefighters were trying to bring the flames under control, police said, adding that winds have fanned flames. Authorities, meanwhile, closed two airports Saturday after a sandstorm reduced visibility, and an incoming flight was diverted to Cairo International Airport. Visibility had dropped to less than 100 metres, preventing planes from landing in or taking off from Alexandria and Luxor airports. An incoming Saudi aircraft was diverted from Alexandria Airport to Cairo Airport due to poor visibility, officials said. However, they said that Cairo airport was operating normally. The meteorological service forecast improved conditions within the next few hours, they added. Meanwhile, authorities have also closed four Red Sea ports Saturday because of high winds and waves, officials said. They said heavy rain, five metre waves and wind speeds of up to 30 knots necessitated the closure of Port Tewfiq, Adabiya, Attaka, and el-Zietat harbours to prevent accidents.
