Karachi, November 12, 2024 – A thick blanket of smog is expected to persist across urban centers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), including the bustling cities of Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera, throughout November and December. The toxic haze, driven by high humidity, low wind speeds, and elevated atmospheric pressure, poses a serious threat to public health, and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a cautionary advisory urging the public to take necessary precautions.
The NDMA’s advisory, released on Tuesday, paints a grim picture of the current and anticipated smog conditions, particularly in the wake of the prevailing weather patterns. With the air thickened by pollutants, residents in affected areas are advised to avoid prolonged exposure outdoors. The smog, a lethal cocktail of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, is exacerbated by seasonal stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial pollutants.
The NDMA’s National Emergency Operation Centre has been closely monitoring the smog levels using an array of sophisticated tools. With access to both ground-based and space-based monitoring systems, the Centre is able to analyze pollution emissions from diverse sources, including agriculture, transportation, and industry. The latest data reveals troubling levels of pollutants such as PM10 and the finer PM2.5 particles, notorious for penetrating deep into the lungs and causing long-term health damage.
In its advisory, the NDMA offers a number of preventive measures to shield the public from the adverse effects of the smog. Among the key recommendations is the avoidance of outdoor activities during peak smog hours, particularly in the early mornings when the air quality is at its worst. Wearing protective masks while venturing outside is also advised, especially for those with respiratory or heart conditions, the old-age people, and children.
For those seeking refuge indoors, staying hydrated and using dehumidifiers and air purifiers can help improve the indoor air quality. The NDMA also suggests adopting eco-friendly transport solutions such as carpooling and using vehicles equipped with COx and NOx filters. These steps can collectively help mitigate the impact of the ongoing smog crisis, which is expected to persist well into the winter months.
As the smog continues to shroud the region, the NDMA urges the public to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to safeguard their health and well-being during these challenging times.
