NICOSIA, May 13 (AFP) - A sandstorm Sunday hit several eastern Mediterranean countries, disturbing air traffic and covering the region in a thick veil of dust.

Air traffic was disrupted in Cyprus where several people needed treatment for respiratory problems, according to medical sources. Air traffic was also disrupted at Beirut airport, where flights were delayed and others diverted, according to airport sources.

In Egypt, flights were held up, diverted or cancelled and winds carrying dust and sand particles cut visibility to just a few metres (yards) in Cairo and several regions in the north. The sandstorm was less intense in Jordan. It cut visibility on the roads, but without causing accidents or the closure of the Red Sea port of Aqaba or Amman airport.

The storm also hit Jerusalem, reducing visibility and provoking a light shower followed by a sharp drop in temperature. Rain and storms are expected through Monday, with an improvement in conditions after that. In the eastern Mediterranean, spring is generally marked by sandstorms called Khamaseen, named after the Arabic word for 50, the number of days they are expected to last.