(Clearwisdom.net) Editors' note: Throughout history, the theme that a nation's fate is closely tied to the virtue of its leaders and people has been prevalent in both Chinese and Westernculture and lore. Many wise, virtuous rulers have led their nations to peace and prosperity, while conversely, moral decay in high places has led to the downfall of great empires. These articles are meant to serve as a reminder and wake-up call for those who are leading or participating in large-scale acts of violence and injustice. As Teacher Li Hongzhi said in Essentials for Further Advancement, "When people do not have virtue, natural calamities and man-made disasters will abound."

The sky of Changchun City was dark yellow, with visibility for protection only about 100 meters.	Residents purchase respirators

China's Xinhua News Agency in Shenyang reported that on November 11^th, 2002, gusty winds suddenly arose, spreading yellow sand everywhere. The air on the streets of Shenyang was filled with sand. Everything seemed blurred, even at 600 meters, as people suffered in the wind gusts. Many people that usually rode bicycles to work took taxis instead. Few pedestrians could be seen on the street, and those that ventured out all used something to cover their heads.

This was the first sandstorm in Shenyang this winter.

China's Xinhua News Net reported on November 11^th that another sandstorm hit Jilin province, with all of Changchun covered by pale yellow sand. Such weather in the winter is quite rare.

It was reported that the sandstorm had a tremendous impact on traffic. Visibility was only 350 -- 400 meters in Changchun, and airplanes were unable to take off.

Rare, Early Winter Sandstorm Suddenly Hits Large Portions of Inner Mongolian Area

China's Xinhua News Net reported on November 11^th that a sandstorm suddenly struck large portions of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

Tianjin Evening Paper reported: Since 11 AM yesterday, the winds became gusty, and the temperature decreased in the northeast part of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The storm spread to the entire mid-west area of Inner Mongolia around 5 PM yesterday, and the temperature dropped accordingly. During the worst of the sand storm, visibility was as low as 50 meters.

At 7 PM yesterday, a reporter in the office of Hohhot city could detect a strong fishy smell. As of 11 PM, the sand still covered Hohhot city, and the urban district was a muddy yellow color everywhere.

According to meteorological observatory experts, such sandstorms are very rare in early winter, and the common people everywhere were discussing why such unusual weather would take place at the same time as the 16^th Party Congress being held in Beijing.