Sandstorm claims one life in northwest China
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-04-11 09:02
A strong sandstorm hit northwest China on Monday, killing one person in
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and compelling dozens of trains to halt for
safety reasons.
Wind speeds at the height of the sandstorm reached 51 meters per second in
Turpan and Hami, the worst in Xinjiang in 22 years since 1984, an official with
the Turpan government told Xinhua.
The storm destroyed several houses in Toksun County, killing one person and
injuring another.
Transport in Turpan was badly affected with the cancellation of 130 journeys
from Turpan Bus Station and the halting of 36 trains.
Five cities in Gansu Province, also in northwestern China, were also
blanketed by floating dust on Monday, forcing residents to turn on their lights
during the day.
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