Okay, um, I think the person writing the headline might have got a bit carried away here.  From the article:

"A lot of the dust will be blown across the Tasman Sea and most will end up in the sea.

"There could be traces of dust in rainfall but I would be surprised if it will be noticeable."

Today’s sunset may have “a bit more of a red tinge to it”.

Yep…apocalyptic is definitely the word for that.