In Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, schools were closed and citizens were urged to stay home due to severe air pollution, Reuters reports. According to the agency, the air quality index in the city reached a record value of 1,100.
According to monitoring company IQAir, air quality in the city currently remains at a “dangerous” level. Concentrations of PM2.5, a pollutant that damages the circulatory and respiratory systems, in Lahore are 60 times higher than the annual average recommended by the World Health Organization.
The government closed primary schools for a week and urged parents to ensure children wear masks. Citizens were advised to stay at home with windows and doors closed and avoid unnecessary trips.
In addition, to reduce environmental pollution caused by vehicles, half of office workers were transferred to remote work. Authorities blamed the deteriorating air quality on winds carrying pollution from neighboring India.
According to the IQAir rating, in New Delhi the level of air pollution is also currently at the “dangerous” level, clarifies RBC.
