Smog Crisis in Lahore: Over 15,000 Fall Ill as Air Quality Plummets
Lahore, Pakistan is currently engulfed in a severe smog crisis, leading to over 15,000 cases of respiratory and viral infections within just 24 hours. Hospitals are struggling to manage the influx of patients experiencing dry cough, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and chest infections. Major hospitals like Mayo Hospital, Jinnah Hospital, Gangaram Hospital, and Children’s Hospital are particularly affected.
Medical experts have warned that children and individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, are especially vulnerable. Ashraf Zia highlighted that special children are severely impacted, with over 10 viral diseases prevalent in Lahore.
In response, the Pakistan Punjab government has implemented several measures, including a 3-month ban on weddings and the closure of schools and colleges. The transport department has also released new guidelines to address the smog situation.
NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reported a thick blanket of smog over northern Pakistan, causing air quality to plummet and leading to the closure of schools. The Air Quality Index in parts of the Punjab region spiked to over 1,900, with the Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority declaring the smog a “calamity” and instituting emergency measures.
The tan haze is so dense that it obscures the landscape, with Lahore ranking as the most polluted city in the world in recent days.
Doubts Revealed
Smog -: Smog is a type of air pollution that looks like a thick, dirty fog. It is caused by smoke and other pollutants mixing with the air, making it hard to breathe.
Lahore -: Lahore is a big city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India. It is known for its rich history and culture.
Respiratory infections -: Respiratory infections are illnesses that affect the lungs and breathing. They can make it hard to breathe and cause coughing and sneezing.
Air Quality Index -: The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to tell how clean or polluted the air is. A high number means the air is very dirty and can be harmful to health.
NASA -: NASA is the United States government agency that is responsible for space exploration and studying the Earth from space. They use satellites to monitor things like weather and pollution.
