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In pictures: Beijing sandstorm turns sky orange

15 March 2021

On Monday, the Chinese capital of Beijing experienced what its weather bureau called the worst sandstorm in a decade.

The storm caused an unprecedented spike in air pollution measurements, with levels in some districts at 160 times the recommended limit.

Getty Images People wear protective masks as they walk along a street during a sandstorm on 15 March 2021 in Beijing, China — The storm caused an unprecedented spike in air pollution measurements, with levels in some districts at 160 times the recommended limit.

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The tops of tower blocks in the city were barely visible on Monday morning.

Barcroft Media via Getty Images Traffic during a sandstorm in Beijing, on 15 March 2021 — The tops of tower blocks in the city were barely visible on Monday morning.

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Beijing faces regular sandstorms in March and April due to its proximity to the Gobi desert.

AFP A woman cycles along a street during a sandstorm in Beijing on 15 March 2021 — Beijing faces regular sandstorms in March and April due to its proximity to the Gobi desert.

Commuters wore protective masks as they left work in the Central Business District. The sand was brought in by strong winds from Mongolia, where sandstorms have reportedly caused a number of deaths and left many missing.

Getty Images Commuters wear protective masks as they leave work in the Central Business District during a sandstorm on 15 March 2021 in Beijing — Commuters wore protective masks as they left work in the Central Business District. The sand was brought in by strong winds from Mongolia, where sandstorms have reportedly caused a number of deaths and left many missing.

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Some commuters were seen with substantial masks and improvised face coverings.

Getty Images People wear protective masks as they cycle during a sandstorm on 15 March 2021 in Beijing — Some commuters were seen with substantial masks and improvised face coverings.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled or grounded as the sky was covered with an orange haze.

Getty Images Buildings are seen during a sandstorm on 15 March 2021 in Beijing — Hundreds of flights were cancelled or grounded as the sky was covered with an orange haze.

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Despite the haze, one couple went ahead with a wedding photoshoot near the Forbidden City.

Reuters A couple during a wedding photoshoot near the Forbidden City, Beijing, on 15 March 2021 — Despite the haze, one couple went ahead with a wedding photoshoot near the Forbidden City.

China's Global Times media outlet reported that at least 12 provinces in the country, including the capital, had been affected.

Getty Images People wear protective masks as they walk during a sandstorm on 15 March 2021 in Beijing — China's Global Times media outlet reported that at least 12 provinces in the country, including the capital, had been affected.

The sandstorms were expected to shift south towards the Yangtze River delta and should clear by Wednesday or Thursday, the environment ministry said.

Reuters A woman wearing a head covering is seen in front of the headquarters of China's state media broadcaster CCTV that is shrouded in haze after a sandstorm in the Central Business District of Beijing, on 15 March 2021 — The sandstorms were expected to shift south towards the Yangtze River delta and should clear by Wednesday or Thursday, the environment ministry said.