Monday, November 6, 2017

Deadly Smog Blankets Pakistan, India, Causing Accidents and Illnesses

At a Glance
Smog that has shrouded much of Pakistan and India caused road accidents and triggered respiratory ailments in residents. Officials say at least 10 people have been killed and 25 injured on roads due to poor visibility. It's expected to linger until mid-month. Residents have been advised to wear face masks and limit road travel.
Smog that has been clogging the air in much of Pakistan and India caused highway accidents and triggered respiratory problems, forcing many residents to remain indoors, officials said.
Pakistani meteorologist Mohammad Hanif said the pollution, which is the result of dust, burning crops and emissions from factories and brick kilns, is expected to stick around until the middle of the month. He has advised people to wear face masks to protect against respiratory illnesses.
At least 10 people have been killed and 25 have been injured in road accidents due to poor visibility in parts of the Punjab province as of Monday, according to highway police official Mohammad Arshad. Authorities have advised people to limit their road travel.
Average air pollution in Pakistan's major cities is about four times higher than the World Health Organization limits.
Similar problems have been reported in the Indian capital, New Delhi, where air quality was rated "very poor" on Saturday. Some private schools in New Delhi have suspended sports and outdoor activities.
India's Supreme Court banned the sale of firecrackers in New Delhi ahead of last month's Hindu Diwali festival to try to curb air pollution in the notoriously smoggy city. Though reports said air quality was better than last year, pollution levels in the capital hit 18 times the healthy limit the night after the festival, as many dodged the ban.
https://weather.com/news/news/2017-11-06-pakistan-india-smog-air-pollution

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