A strong sandstorm hits Alxa League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 5:00 p.m. (0900 GMT) May 17, 2004. Such a sandstorm is rare in May in the region. (Xinhua Photo)

Covering their heads with clothes, two pedestrians walk in the sandstorm on a street in Bayanhaote, north Inner Mongolia. (Xinhua Photo)

Vehicles run in the sandstorm with headlights on in Bayanhaote. (Xinhua Photo)

(Xinhua News Agency May 18, 2004)