The city of Islamabad and the surrounding areas are seeing a dangerous increase in air pollution, as reported by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in a warning advisory.
As to the advisory, residents of Islamabad are urged to exercise caution since the Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 240. Right now, Islamabad’s PM2.5 concentration is 37.9 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline limit for air quality.
With an AQI value of 270, Rawalpindi leads the way, closely followed by Lahore, which registers at 185.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advises people to wear masks and limit outdoor activities in order to reduce health hazards due to Islamabad’s increasing air pollution.
Also read: Lahore to experience intensified cold and foggy weather
The NDMA stresses the seriousness of the situation and exhorts people to take preventative steps in the face of the worsening air quality, such as wearing masks and drinking plenty of water.
The lack of rain and growing pollutants have led to an upsurge in influenza infections.
Patients who have long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart, and lung disorders, as well as pregnant women, the elderly, and young children, are more likely to acquire severe or complex illnesses.
In the meantime, the Meteorological Department predicts that Islamabad and the surrounding areas will see cold, dry weather.
