BEIJING – A strong sandstorm in the Chinese capital led to major traffic disruptions in the city this morning, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
A yellow alert has been issued in Beijing. The concentration of harmful PM2.5 particles in the air is about eight times the standard level (247mcg per cubic metre versus the recommended 25mcg).
Visibility is limited to less than 1,000m. Cars were driving with headlights on and severe traffic jams occurred across the city in the early hours of today.
City authorities recommended that outdoor events be cancelled.
The sandstorm moved to Beijing from Mongolia, where it originated, according to the capital’s environmental monitoring centre. – Bernama, March 15, 2021