ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has raised alarms, issuing an alert about a hazardous increase in air pollution in the capital city of Islamabad and its neighboring regions.
As per the advisory, residents of Islamabad are cautioned to remain vigilant due to a spike in the Air Quality Index (AQI), reaching a level of 240. The current PM2.5 concentration in Islamabad is recorded at 37.9 times the annual air quality guideline established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rawalpindi reports an AQI value of 270, while Lahore closely follows with a reading of 185.
In response to the escalating air pollution, NDMA recommends that citizens in Islamabad wear masks and limit outdoor activities to minimize potential health risks.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, NDMA urges citizens to adopt precautionary measures, including the use of masks and maintaining hydration levels, amidst the worsening air quality.
The surge in pollution, coupled with a lack of rainfall, has led to an increase in influenza cases. Individuals with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, cardiac and lung conditions, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and children under five years, are at a higher risk of developing severe or complicated diseases.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts cold and dry conditions in Islamabad and adjacent areas. Cold and dry weather is expected across most plains in the country, with West Balochistan potentially experiencing rain and anticipated snowfall in mountainous regions. Additionally, heavy fog envelops various regions in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Upper Sindh.
