Strongest sandstorm in decade engulfs northern China
Schools, including kindergartens, primary and high schools, have suspended classes in Manzhouli and Baotou, two cities in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, due to the sweeping sandstorms.
In Baotou city, all outdoor events at kindergartens and schools have been ordered to cease on Monday.
In addition, the airport in Manzhouli has also been temporarily closed for safety reasons noon Monday, according to city authorities.
Relevant departments and rescue workers have been required to stand by 24 hours and prepare for a possible blackout in the city, authorities said.
It has triggered many cities to issue high level warnings. For example, Hohhot, capital of Inner Mongolia, has upgraded to an orange alert for sandstorms, the second-highest in the three-tiered warning system.
