Australia scientists and farmers count losses on dust storm

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And today, we focus our attention on the impact the huge storm had on local farmers.

As the dust storm moves north, scientists and local farmers begin to count the losses.

Wednesday's storm poured tons of soil into Australia's eastern regions. Despite the large amount of extra soil, scientists still warn local farmers to be cautious.

Dr. Richard Green, Expert of Soil and Land Management, said, "The disruption to their activities and the major social and economic effects the areas where the dust has come from are enormous. Sure, some parts of eastern Australia will benefit from that layer of dust that's deposited that isn't lost completely, but it's usually not evenly distributed in the areas where we want it. So yes, there's going to be more losers than winners out of this."

Some local farmers also share the scientists' sentiment. Wheat farmer Jock Munro says that every grower will likely feel the dust in his empty pockets.

Jock Munro, Farmer, said, "Well, they'll be growers that'll be be losing hundreds, thousands of dollars, you know it costs thousands and thousands of dollars to put crops in."

Even if no one was hurt in the storm, health officials still have responded to hundreds of calls in two states from people complaining of breathing problems.

The Wednesday dust shrouded Sydney and surrounding areas for about eight hours, blotting out landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Harbor Bridge.