Hurricane-force winds disrupt train services in southern Xinjiang

URUMQI -- Hurricane-force winds forced 14 passenger trains to stop at stations in southern part of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Thursday morning.

The trains were en route to or would pass through stations in the city of Turpan and the city's Toksun County, according to regional railway authorities.

The wind speeds recorded in the area exceeded 32 meters per second. The area is part of the Gobi desert which is sparsely populated. No injuries or damage to property have been reported.

An emergency plan has been activated to provide food, water and supplies for the stranded passengers.