The year's first sandstorm that took place in China a couple of days ago has affected the lives of nearly 30 million people.

The figures were released in the newly published disaster evaluation report by the State Forestry Bureau.

About one fifth of China's land area was hit by the sandstorm Tuesday and Wednesday, mainly in the northern and western regions of the country.

The report says road and railway transport had to stop due to the weather. And agriculture was also affected, as the storms hit during the ploughing season.

(cri.com April 12, 2003)