Sandstorm Brings Sand and Dust to Northern China and Beijing

Residents and travelers in Northern China and Beijing encountered a blanket of winter sandstorms covering the sky on Monday. The sandstorms were set to unload until Tuesday.

The sand and dust became challenging to motorists and could cause health hazards.

Sandstorms in China

According to CNN World News, the report said that the winter sandstorms could result in air pollution in the region, in which the sand and dust could penetrate the nose affecting the body's lungs.

The blowing dust and sand could cause road reduced visibility for motorists. The CNN report explained that springtime could anticipate more sandstorms to unload in China.

(Photo : by Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
Seasonal sandstorm on April 15, 2021 in Beijing, China

However, sandstorms were unusual during winter months.

The news added that pollution could enter the nose and be hazardous to health if the particles reach 10 micrometers in diameter.

Central Meteorological Observatory announced a blue alert due to the threat of sandstorms that came from Mongolia and were seen moving to the South.

The advisory warned portions of northern China, including the Xinjiang Region and Eastern Tianjin, could expect sandstorms.

Although the sandstorms could cause health risks, the report explained that China had been actively working on reforestation and satellites helping with the sandstorms monitoring, which showed a decline in sandstorm emergence.

According to CNN World News, Xinhua news agency reported that the sandstorms reached portions of western Gansu, Mongolia, Northern Heibei and Shanxi provinces.

How to prepare for sandstorms

Sandstorms could threaten health safety, which could enter your body. Preparing for the impact of sandstorms is important to equip yourself as you travel outdoors.

Check the sandstorm weather alert.

It is essential to stay updated with the weather, especially the emergency of sandstorms and when they could hit.

Instructing your family members with emergency plans is also best in case sandstorms, or other natural disasters occur.

Protect yourself

The small particles of sandstorms could penetrate your nose and move to your lungs, harming your health.

Wearing eyeglasses or recommended goggles is helpful protection from sand and dust during sandstorms.

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In case the sandstorms emerge while you are outside, you could use your bag, cloth or arm to protect your eyes. A scarf covering your face would be the best as well.

Wearing a mask or respirator is recommended. The masks could help prevent small particles from entering your body. As possible, keep storage of masks or respirators.

Stay in a safe place.

The report explained that it is essential to prepare a safety plan when sandstorms hit. Keep away from windows.

If you have a bag, you could use it as a cover as small particles of sand and dust could fly. It would help prevent entering your nose.

If the sandstorms are still severe, you could wait until it weakens or finally abates. Motorists should observe the road's visibility to avoid accidents.

Ultimately, report to local clinics or hospitals if anyone feels uneasy or has difficulty breathing due to the sandstorms.