Smog crisis overtakes Pakistan: Health threats and closures escalate
Dense smog hovering over the Punjab province and much of India is visible from space. It can be observed in NASA's satellite images.
12 November 2024 09:34
Asia is dealing with intense air pollution. According to the Polish Press Agency, citing CNN, Pakistan and India are experiencing exceptionally dense smog. In Pakistan, it has reached an alarming level, as confirmed by NASA's satellite images. The air pollution extends over Punjab province and large areas of India, beyond the capital, Delhi.
CNN emphasizes that in some places, the concentration of PM2.5 particulate matter is more than 110 times higher than the safe level defined by the World Health Organization. Such high levels pose a serious threat to the health of the region's residents.
Smog and child deaths
Abdullah Fadil from UNICEF in Pakistan warns that smog threatens the health of 11 million children. "Doubling and tripling the amount of air pollution will have devastating effects, especially for children and pregnant women," he warns. Previously, air pollution was responsible for 12% of deaths among children under the age of five in the country.
The Pakistani government has mandated wearing masks, but as the AP agency notes, this requirement is often ignored. The country's authorities are looking for ways to solve the smog problem. They may decide to artificially induce rain to improve air quality.
Schools and government institutions were closed until November 17. On Friday, provincial authorities closed parks, museums, zoos, and historical sites in 18 districts for ten days to encourage people to stay home until the air quality improves. Starting Monday, outdoor events, including sports events and festivals, were banned. The opening hours of shops and markets were also limited in hopes of reducing the number of people leaving their homes.
