Sandstorms blasted regions in northern China on Sunday (April 25), leaving a blanket of dust over areas in Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, Inner Mongolia and Jilin province on Monday (April 26), state media reported. Dust filled skies lowered visibility to just two metres over the weekend and a cold front sweeping northern China is likely to bring strong winds and low temperatures for the next two days, the China Meterological Administration said. Strong winds caused fires to spread rapidly, killing three people and seriously injuring one, CCTV reported. The winds blowing over central and eastern Inner Mongolia could reach speeds of around 50 km per hour, the weather report said, causing temperatures to drop by 10 degrees Celsius in some areas. Spring snows have added to farming troubles in Inner Mongolia, which saw its worst winter in 50 years. China's officials warned those in the affected regions to take precautions against more severe weather expected to hit the region. added by: ctv
