Widespread sandstorms engulfed large swathes of Inner Mongolia on Monday, drastically reducing visibility to under 1,000 meters in some areas and prompting emergency measures at a China-Mongolia border crossing.
On the same day, the Meteorological observatory of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region issued a blue wind warning and a yellow warning for sandstorm.
The dust storms, driven by strong winds, swept eastward across the region, with the western and north-central zones—including the strategic Ganqimaodu Port in Bayannur City—bearing the brunt.
Local authorities reported near-zero visibility at the border checkpoint by around 16:00, disrupting cross-border traffic.
In response, the Ganqimaodu Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station activated an emergency protocol to maintain operations. Patrols were intensified across the port’s restricted zones, while additional officers were deployed to critical posts to guide trucks and personnel safely through the low visibility.
Authorities collaborated with customs and quarantine agencies to mitigate risks, including securing loose infrastructure and deploying emergency lighting to prevent accidents caused by flying debris.
Sandstorms hit Inner Mongolia, weather authorities issue yellow warning
