The morning sky grew overcast in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia, and became dusty in the afternoon. However no visible falls of sand or strong wind were recorded, according to the local meteorological service.

A regular spring occurrence in Ningxia, sandstorms resulted from low pressure that was unique to the region and as a result did not affect other parts of north China, experts said.

Sandstorms that each year sweep across the whole of north China actually originate in Inner Mongolia or far northwestern regions.

This sandstorm would last till Wednesday night, the meteorological station said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 19, 2003)