China now! Huge sandstorm engulfs Xinjiang province and trapping 42,000 people!

On the 17th, at 13:28 local time, the Xinjiang Meteorological Department upgraded the yellow sandstorm warning signal to orange.

The maximum wind speed on that day reached 48.4 meters per second at the Hunan station in Toksun County, Turpan city. Sandstorms occurred in most areas of the southern basin and eastern Xinjiang, with a total of 41 stations experiencing severe sandstorms. The lowest visibility in Jociang County was only 240 feet.

According to the Ministry of Transport's Road Network Center, as of 8 a.m. on the 18th, many road sections in Xinjiang were closed due to snowfall and sandstorms.

On the morning of the 17th, authorities took emergency measures to accommodate drivers and passengers unable to continue due to road closures. Over 42,000 people were stranded in Jiuquan city, with temporary accommodations provided in hotels, dormitories, school buildings, conference halls, restaurants, etc. Temporary rest areas were also set up.
On the same day, the G30 highway from Hami to Shanshan was blocked by a sandstorm. The Shanshan County firefighting and rescue brigade promptly discovered several vehicles damaged by sand and gravel, rescuing and evacuating people to safety.

Mrs. Pan, an eyewitness, reported that the rear window of her car was shattered and blown away by the wind. Many cars were lying on the road.
On the 18th, Jociang County experienced a severe sandstorm, with a minimum visibility of only 207 feet. Public safety and traffic management departments in Jociang quickly responded, providing food and essential items to those stranded.

Sandstorms have catastrophic consequences for business and agriculture, and they also cause various respiratory diseases. During such events, people are recommended to stay indoors, especially children and the elderly. Additionally, wearing protective masks outdoors is advised.

Sandstorms in China have become more extensive, occurring earlier and more frequently. Droughts and extreme temperatures, drying the soil, along with intensified winds carrying dust and sand over vast distances, play a significant role in the formation of sandstorms. Unfortunately, sandstorms are not the only significant threat to China's residents in the next five years.

An international group of scientists analyzing the development of global climate disasters predicts that China is one of the six countries most affected by destructive natural disasters. Learn more on the "Global Crisis. The Responsibility" forum.