Mongolian dust storm brings Beijing to a standstill
Digital Reporter
Thursday, May 4, 2017, 4:10 PM - Air quality levels have plummeted across a swath of northern China as a dust storm from Mongolia and China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region blows through the region.
The dust storm has caused official air quality readings to peak significantly higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended limit, the BBC reports. The WHO indicates a maximum safety level of 25 micrograms of small, breathable pollution particles per cubic metre; however, by 11 a.m. local time, the city's environmental agency said that Beijing hit 500 micrograms per cubic metre.
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Since moving in overnight Wednesday, the storm has also impacted visibility. Officials encourage residents to avoid spending time outdoors, with children and seniors advised to remain indoors until the storm passes.
Spring, known as China's dust storm season, often sees winds pick up across China and Mongolia's Gobi Desert, which in turn blow fine sand and dust particles across heavily populated regions further south, Reuters reports.
The worst of the storm is expected to remain concentrated over a remote area along the Mongolian border. City officials say that the storm will continue to impact the capital until Friday afternoon, when high pressure will move into the region improving air quality.
