A strong sandstorm is raging over the capital of China and its environs, the MIR 24 portal reports. The phenomenon has already been assigned a “purple code” on the hazard scale, this is the highest level when the concentration of dust particles in the air exceeds 300 micrograms / cubic meter.

Authorities are cautioning children, the elderly, and those suffering from cardiopulmonary disease from being outdoors, and are strongly advising everyone to avoid outdoor exercise.