Authorities swiftly activated an emergency response on Saturday night after a sandstorm swept through a desert tourist attraction in northwest China's Dunhuang City, suspending ticket sales and promptly evacuating visitors.
At around 18:00 that day, the city was hit by a severe sandstorm, with the sky shrouded in thick yellow dust.
In response, the Mingsha Mountain Crescent Yueya Spring Scenic Spot promptly evacuated all visitors, while local authorities organized free buses and government vehicles to ensure safe transportation to the city center.
"Over 80 trips have been made, with 142 vehicles dispatched, ensuring that the more than 5,200 tourists safely returned to the city center," said Zhao Li, deputy head of the city's comprehensive traffic and transportation law enforcement team.
Following the sandstorm, scheduled performances at the scenic spot were put on hold. The site announced that shows would restart once conditions improved.
Authorities launch emergency evacuation as sandstorm hits desert scenic spot in Dunhuang
Giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue from China officially made their public debut in Malaysia on Saturday.
In a ceremony marking the event at the Giant Panda Conservation Center (GPC) at Zoo Negara, the country's national zoo in Selangor, the pair met eager visitors following their quarantine and acclimatization.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was the guest of honor. In his remarks at the ceremony, Anwar thanked China for the cooperation in the conservation of giant pandas, noting that they are hugely popular with the Malaysian public.
The Malaysian side has prepared high-quality bamboo for the giant pandas to help them better adapt to local life. The two pandas are now in good health and have fully acclimated to their new home.
Many local visitors waited in long lines and braved crowds for their chance to catch a glimpse of the pair.
"It's such a surprise to see a giant panda. We looked forward to it and had waited for a long time outside," said a visitor.
Many visitors said it was their first time to see a giant panda.
"We feel very happy because for me it's my first-time experience to see them in real life. [They are] very cute and very big also. So, I wish all of them well since they came to Malaysia," said a visitor.
"I hope they will be healthy and happy, feeling at home here," said another visitor.
China and Malaysia launched their first round of international cooperation on giant panda conservation in 2014.
Xing Xing and Liang Liang were the first pair of giant pandas sent to Malaysia in 2014 and completed an 11-year stay in Malaysia before returning to China last May.
Malaysia welcomed the arrival of new pair of giant pandas Chen Xing and Xiao Yue last November. This couple is to stay in the Southeast Asian country for 10 years.
New giant panda couple makes public debut in Malaysia
