Beijing skies turn ORANGE as massive sandstorm wreaks havoc on air quality in Chinese capital (PHOTOS)

The apocalyptic-looking air conditions were caused by heavy winds that blew sand in from Inner Mongolia and other parts of northwest China. Beijing’s air quality index showed a reading of 999, a level described as “hazardous,” the worst possible tier. The index lists a reading of 50 or below as “good.”

Some reported that measurement systems were struggling to accurately read the level of pollution, listing it as “beyond index.”

A woman walks past Drum Tower during morning rush hour as Beijing, China, is hit by a sandstorm, March 15, 2021. ©  REUTERS/Thomas Peter

A visitor wearing a face mask stands behind barricades at a peak overlooking the Forbidden City at Jingshan Park, as the city is hit by a sandstorm, in Beijing, China March 15, 2021. ©  REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

The China Meteorological Administration announced a yellow alert on Monday morning. Residents who braved the streets were spotted wearing goggles and masks to shield themselves from the dust-filled air. The storm was similarly disastrous for air travel, with more than 400 flights canceled at Beijing’s two international airports. 

A sweeper walks with a broom along a road during morning rush hour as Beijing, China, is hit by a sandstorm, March 15, 2021. ©  REUTERS/Thomas Peter

The sandstorm created surreal scenes, with numerous photographs showing an eerie orange haze hovering over the metropolis. 

Sandstorms are not uncommon in Beijing, but some residents told media that they had not witnessed one on such a large scale in many years. 

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