Residents don facemasks as northwest China hit with powerful sandstorm

A dense sandstorm hit northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region on Thursday and Friday, disrupting local traffic and forcing residents to wear face masks.

Visibility dropped to less than 500 metres in Bachu County and Yingjisha County of Kashi City. The local government initiated emergency response plans for the inclement weather, dispatching traffic police to ensure traffic runs smoothly.

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Pedestrians wore face masks to prevent inhaling sand particles.

“Fortunately, I brought a face mask. I wore a black coat today but it was coated by sand. I really don’t like such weather,” said Wang Shuting, a middle school student.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Fortunately, I brought a face mask. I wore a black coat today but it was coated by sand. I really don't like such weather," said Wang Shuting, a middle school student.