A sandstorm swept through Aral in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, covering the city in roughly 10 minutes on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Residents said the sandstorm was so thick that it felt like day had been turned into night. (Photo: VCG, compiled by Bao Han)

The approaching sand storm in Aral. (Photo: VCG, compiled by Bao Han)

The sandstorm gradually covered the city. (Photo: VCG, compiled by Bao Han)

The sandstorm eventually covered the entire city. (Photo: VCG, compiled by Bao Han)

The sky was all covered with sandstorm, as if it instantly turned into the dark night. (Photo: VCG, compiled by Bao Han)