Apr 12, Kathmandu- Strong winds battered China on Saturday, disrupting normal life. Hundreds of flights were canceled and major tourist attractions were closed in cities including Beijing. Some train services were also temporarily suspended.

The China Meteorological Administration said the strong winds were caused by a cold atmospheric cyclone that has been moving east and south since Friday. “The strongest winds are expected on April 12, and in some places, wind speeds may exceed records set since 1951,” the meteorological department said.

Beijing has issued its first high-level wind warning in 10 years. As of Saturday morning, 413 flights had been canceled at Beijing Capital International Airport.

Express metro and some high-speed rail services to the airport have also been suspended. Tourist attractions such as the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Zoo and Universal Studios Park have been temporarily closed.

About 300 trees have fallen in Beijing and 19 vehicles have been damaged, but there have been no reports of casualties.

Such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in China due to climate change. Last year, floods killed dozens of people and displaced thousands. Similarly, in May, 48 people died when a road in southern China was washed away by torrential rains.