A sandstorm engulfed cities and counties throughout Kashgar Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Monday, shrouding areas in mushroom-like clouds of dust and sand.

Bachu County was hit by the sudden sandstorm at around 6 p.m. local time. Less than 10 minutes later, the whole county was enveloped by sand and dust, forcing vehicles to drive slowly.

By around 9 p.m., the sandstorm continued to sweep across to neighboring Yuepuhu County, reducing visibility to less than 100 meters. The sandstorm lasted around an hour in Yuepuhu County and visibility has begun to improve.

Other regions in Tarim Basin in southern Xinjiang were also hit by sandstorms last week. 

The area has suffered more sand and dust storms than in previous years because of the El Nino weather system, according to the Kashgar meteorological bureau.