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.

Wind speeds at the height of the sandstorm reached 51 meters per second in Turpan and Hami, the worst in Xinjiang in 22 years since 1984, an official with the Turpan government told Xinhua.

The storm destroyed several houses in Toksun County, killing one person and injuring another.

Transport in Turpan was badly affected with the cancellation of 130 journeys from Turpan Bus Station and the halting of 36 trains.

Five cities in Gansu Province, also in northwestern China, were also blanketed by floating dust on Monday, forcing residents to turn on their lights during the day.