A strong sandstorm hit northwest China on Monday, killing one person in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and compelling dozens of trains to halt for safety reasons.

On Sunday floating dust coming from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region continued to wash over Beijing , increasing the level of hazardous air pollutants. Meteorologists warned local people to stay inside and shut windows to reduce the risk of indoor air pollution. Environmental protection authorities have intensified the efforts to clear up streets with water to reduce the health impact of floating dust.

A Chinese farmer walks amid a heavy sand storm in Minqin County, northwest of China's Gansu Province April 10, 2006.

A farmer makes his way through a heavy sand storm in Minqin County, northwest China's Gansu Province April 10, 2006.

A resident rides a motorcycle through a heavy sand storm on a street in Turpan, China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region April 10, 2006.

(China Daily, eastday.com, April 11, 2006)