A strong sandstorm continued to hit north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Tuesday morning, with schools forced to suspend classes in some areas, Xinhua reported. The sandstorm, which began on Monday afternoon, mainly affected Xilingol Prefecture, with visibility less than 100 meters in East Ujimqin Banner, said the regional meteorological station official. Visibility in Wuliyasitai township, East Ujimqin Banner, was less than 5 meters, with a wind velocity of 27 meters per second. The temperature there had dropped 13.4 degrees Celsius in 24 hours. Middle and primary schools suspended classes on Tuesday, he said. The sandstorm also hit neighboring Balinzuo Banner, Chifeng City, with visibility below 800 meters. Floating dust could also be seen in parts of Xilingol Prefecture, Tongliao City and Chifeng City. The sandstorm was easing and would dissipate later on Tuesday, the official said.
