Beijing faces chaos as high winds and sandstorms wreak havoc

In Beijing, high winds and the threat of sandstorms prompted the capital to cancel hundreds of flights and close public parks on April 12, 2025. The impacts of the severe weather were widespread, with reports of substantial damage to homes, crushed vehicles, and fallen trees throughout the city. By 2:00 p.m. local time, the city's two major airports, Beijing Capital and Daxing, had canceled a total of 693 flights, signaling the extensive disruption caused by the conditions. Warnings were issued regarding the possibility of worsening weather especially in northern and coastal regions of China, with other areas also experiencing flight and train cancellations due to similar conditions. Reports indicated that some parts of China faced their strongest winds in over 75 years, with gusts reaching up to 148 kilometers per hour (92 miles per hour). Specifically in Beijing, popular attractions like Universal Studios theme park and significant historical sites such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven were closed to ensure public safety, while various outdoor events, including football matches, were suspended. The combination of high winds and sandstorms is a common phenomenon in China's arid north, where the Gobi and Taklamakan Deserts contribute to severe weather events that can drastically reduce visibility and create hazardous living conditions. Historically, Beijing has dealt with the adverse effects of sandstorms, exemplified by a notable storm in 2021 that dramatically affected air quality and public health. Weather agencies cited a sandstorm that had originated in northern Mongolia as a contributing factor to the dangerous conditions currently being experienced, which were exacerbated by powerful winds that transported dust and debris southward into Beijing. This phenomenon results in severe discomfort for residents and poses notable risks, especially to those with pre-existing health issues that can be aggravated by poor air quality and airborne particles. The Chinese government has long been engaged in efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of sandstorms in Beijing. Strategies have included reforestation initiatives and urban planning designed to strengthen city infrastructure against such natural disasters. However, episodes like this demonstrate the ongoing challenges posed by climate and environmental changes, necessitating continuous adaptation and response strategies to protect citizens and maintain the city's functionality in the face of these frequent weather-related disruptions.