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
A Chinese medical team left China on Saturday heading for Ethiopia, where they will offer technological assistance and support to talent development in the country's healthcare sector over the next 12 months.
The 14-member team includes experts in clinical medicine, medical technology, hospital administration, and logistical support.
Mainly selected from the First Hospital Affiliated to the Army Medical University (AMU) in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, the team members possess extensive experience in medical practice and management.
During the mission, the experts will help the country's military hospitals to enhance medical service capacity, promote the application of new technologies, strengthen hospital operations, train professional personnel, and support the establishment of healthcare management systems, thereby contributing to the improvement of local medical services.
"I feel deeply honored by this mission, and I'm fully aware of the responsibility it carries. We are committed to carrying forward the spirit of China's overseas medical teams, which features tenacity, dedication, commitment to saving lives, and love that knows no borders, and will apply our skills for the benefit of the Ethiopian military and civilians," said team member Guo Hao from the AMU.
Since 2015, the AMU hospital has dispatched 11 batches totaling more than 100 medical experts to Ethiopia.
Their efforts gave strong support to achieving notable progress in medical facility construction, and technological and talent development in the country's healthcare sector.
China sends 11th group of medical experts to Ethiopia
