On Monday, Beijing experienced the worst weather in the shape of a dust storm. This is the largest and strongest dust storm swept across china in a decade. The result was grounded hundreds of flights, closing schools and casting ghastly shrouds over millions of people of china.
The storm affected the largest part of China, northern China, including Beijing. The storm caused hazardous air quality. The storm came after weeks of smog and recalled the “airpocalypse” that the country routinely experienced a few years ago.
The Steps For The Environment Should Be Taken
It forced the immediate government to take action and make efforts to address what has become the political and public wealth crisis.
The efforts were fruitful, especially around the capital. But the recent changes and events like the post-covid industrial rebound, the continued impact of climate change on the deserts of Northern China, and a late winter storm combine to create a dangerous suffocating pall.
In Beijing, authorities ordered civilians to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary activity outside. The pollution turned air into yellow-orange and soupy gray in the morning and afternoon accordingly. The situation was expected to remain the same until Tuesday morning.
The storm increased air pollution by about 160 times the recommended limit. Air traffic has disturbed as the sky was surrounded by orange haze.
Chinese media reported that at least 12 provinces in the country, including Beijing, had been affected.
However, it did not just stop here, but it also caused havoc to the economy because hundreds of flights were canceled and grounded as the sky was apocalyptic with an orange haze look.
The Cause of The Sand Strom
It is guessed that the sand storm direction was from Mongolia because, in Mongolia, the severe sandstorm has reportedly caused six deaths and many missings.
The weather continued through Monday but improved at night within the 12 provinces, including the capital.
The WHO has currently set safe air quality standards that are based on the contaminant particulate matter (PM) in the air.
Source: www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/world/asia/dust-storms-northern-china-beijing.html
