This is the moment a giant sandstorm engulfed villages in Inner Mongolia.

Large dust clouds blanketed the structures while shocked residents watched in Bayannur City in Inner Mongolia on June 28.

The dark sand storm spanned hundreds of metres across the Urad Rear Banner and Urad Central Banner regions turning the sky dark.

A meteorological observatory spokesman said in a statement: "During this kind of severe weather, everyone must remain inside their houses due to gusty winds with sand that causes limited visibility."

This is the terrifying moment a giant sandstorm engulfed villages in China.

Large dust clouds blanketed over the structures while shocked residents watched in the Chinese-controlled Bayannur City in Inner Mongolia on June 28.

The dark sand storm spanned hundreds of meters across the Urad Rear Banner and Urad Central Banner regions turning the sky dark.

A meteorological observatory spokesman said in a statement: ‘During this kind of severe weather, everyone must remain inside their houses due to gusty winds with sand that causes limited visibility.’

Sandstorms, also called dust storms, are caused by a combination of drought and strong winds. The gusts blow across dry surfaces and whip up dust and dirt in the air which forms dense clouds.