[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] On the 23rd, as yellow dust inflow is expected, a yellow dust crisis alert at the 'Interest' level was issued for Incheon and Gyeonggi areas as of 5 PM on the 22nd.
This yellow dust originated from the Gobi Desert and Inner Mongolian Plateau in China on the 21st, and from the Manchuria region on the 22nd. It is expected to affect the West Coast area starting from Baengnyeongdo around 6 AM on the 23rd.
The central business district of Beijing, China, was shrouded in haze due to yellow dust on the 22nd. [Image source=Yonhap News]
The yellow dust crisis alert at the 'Interest' level is issued when fine dust (PM10) levels are expected to be 'Very Bad' (exceeding 150㎍/㎥) due to yellow dust.
The Ministry of Environment urged the public to follow the 'Yellow Dust Occurrence Preparedness Action Guidelines' to prevent damage from yellow dust. At home, it is recommended to check windows and other openings in advance to prevent yellow dust from entering indoors, and vulnerable groups such as the elderly should refrain from outdoor activities.
Meanwhile, this yellow dust also covered the skies of China. According to the Beijing Environmental Protection Monitoring Center, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Beijing that morning was at the maximum measurable level of 500㎍/㎥. The previous day, there was a forecast of muddy rain in some areas.
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