Giant sandstorm engulfs villages in Inner Mongolia

This is the moment a giant sandstorm engulfed villages in Inner Mongolia.

Large dust clouds blanketed the structures while shocked residents watched in Bayannur City in Inner Mongolia on June 28.

This is the moment a giant sandstorm engulfed villages in Inner Mongolia.

Large dust clouds blanketed the structures while shocked residents watched in Bayannur City in Inner Mongolia on June 28.

The dark sand storm spanned hundreds of metres across the Urad Rear Banner and Urad Central Banner regions turning the sky dark.

A meteorological observatory spokesman said in a statement: "During this kind of severe weather, everyone must remain inside their houses due to gusty winds with sand that causes limited visibility."