Severe Sandstorm Blankets Beijing in Thick Clouds of Orange Dust, Prompting Red Alert Warning

Beijing, China – A severe sandstorm has swept across Beijing and several northern provinces in China, blanketing the region in thick clouds of orange dust and sending air pollution soaring to hazardous levels, state weather authorities said on Wednesday. The dense clouds of dust have caused visibility to drop significantly, prompting authorities to warn people to stay indoors and for drivers to reduce their speed.

The Beijing Ecological Environment Monitoring Center reported that the air quality index of PM10 – particles of pollution that are less than 10 micrometers in diameter and can enter through the nose and travel to the lungs – have exceeded monitoring charts. The Chinese capital has been enveloped in a thick layer of dust, making it difficult to see.

Weather authorities in Beijing have warned people not to go outdoors for exercise and other activities, and have asked drivers to stay vigilant and reduce speed due to the low visibility. The dust has filled the air around Beijing’s central business district, making it difficult to see.

China has a four-tier, color-coded weather-warning system, with red representing the most severe. The sandstorm has been classified as a red alert, the highest level of warning. The sandstorm is expected to last for several days, and authorities are warning people to be prepared for the hazardous air quality.

The sandstorm is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the environment and reducing air pollution. The Chinese government is taking steps to reduce air pollution, but more needs to be done to protect the health of citizens.