With more than 14 million residents, the Pakistani city of Lahore is struggling with one of the worst pollution crises in recent years.
Hospitals overburdened
Severe smog is causing numerous health issues and overburdening hospitals. In just 24 hours, over 15,000 cases of respiratory and viral infections were reported across Lahore, according to Ary News.
Major hospitals like Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, Gangaram Hospital, and Children’s Hospital are also getting hundreds of patients everyday. Many of whom have chest infections, pneumonia, and respiratory distress.
Lahore’s residents are inhaling extreme poisonous air as Lahore’s Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to an unprecedented 1,165. It has surpassed New Delhi’s AQI, which averaged about 350, as pollution levels hit record highs. Both Indian and Pakistan cities are on top of the most polluted cities in the world list.
What Causes Smog?
Smog is a serious health hazard, particularly for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma and heart disease. It is mostly caused by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and burning agricultural stubble.
Asthma, lung disease, and cognitive impairment in children are among the severe health problems associated with PM2.5, the most hazardous particulate matter in smog.
Smog ‘calamity’
Pakistani authorities have declared smog a “calamity”. Schools have been shut, outdoor activities and market hours are restricted. 3 month ban has been imposed on weddings in Punjab. Additionally, new transport regulations have been introduced to reduce emissions from vehicles.
In the nearby city of Multan’s air pollution reached an even alarming AQI level of 2,000, forcing the authorities to close public open spaces, such as parks and zoos; besides limiting people’s access to ways of transportations, such as tuk-tuks, and restaurants using unfiltered barbecues.
NASA MODIT’s Image of smog
The hazardous air quality has also drawn international attention. NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) recently captured images of the thick smog blanketing northern Pakistan. NASA has described it as “sky-soiling”.
The Punjab government’s website reported an AQI average of 604 in recent days, well within the hazardous range.
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