A northern Chinese city was consumed by the mighty sandstorm which slammed into the city of New Barag Right Banner in Inner Mongolia today, damaging traffic lights and choking the streets in dust within seconds. Fierce winds channelled the clouds through the city, reducing visibility to less than 100 metres. The city of New Barag Right Banner is under the administration of Hulunbuir, a sparsely populated grassy plateau in Inner Mongolia’s northernmost region.

This is the second sandstorm in a week to hit Hulunbuir city, according to Chinese reports.

Today’s adverse weather prompted China Meteorological Administration to issue a level six alert for gale-force winds.

Last Monday afternoon, the meteorological administration issued a yellow sandstorm warning as well as an advisory warning of dry weather and a risk of fire, telling residents to take precautions.