2006/04/17_Sandstorms in NE China
Severe sandstorms choked millions of people in Beijing and surrounding area of China. Sand blew in from northeast Mongolia since 16th April and moved over Beijing region by 17th April, causing the severest storm to the region in this year. This latest MODIS satellite image shows the sand layer over Beijing and Bohai Sea. These sand clouds then moved eastward and brought some difficulties to Korean peninsula and Japan. Reports say thousands of people in China faced breathing problems due to the heavy dust came with the storm. Dry climate and poor farming practices in northwest of the country is the main reason for these storms. Chinese government is planting huge green belts to minimize the impact of sandstorms to the capital and other populated areas.