Dense Smog Reduces Visibility in Delhi, Triggers Travel Disruptions
Thick smog blankets Delhi, disrupting flights and trains severely.
The national capital awoke to a dense blanket of smog on Saturday, with the Air Quality Index registering at 380, firmly placing it in the 'very poor' category according to monitoring standards. This hazardous atmospheric condition has significantly reduced visibility across the city, leading to widespread disruptions in transportation networks, including delays in numerous flights and train services departing from and arriving in Delhi.
Authorities at Indira Gandhi International Airport issued an urgent advisory to passengers, recommending they contact their respective airlines for the most current flight information. Low visibility procedures have been activated to manage operations safely, although all flights are reported to be functioning under these constrained conditions. The combination of smog and fog has compounded challenges for aviation, resulting in operational adjustments and potential further delays.
The India Meteorological Department had forecasted dense to very dense fog at isolated locations across several northern states, including Bihar, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. These predictions align with the current weather patterns, where calm winds and temperature inversions are trapping pollutants close to the ground, exacerbating the smog layer and posing heightened health risks to residents.
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Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such elevated pollution levels can lead to respiratory issues, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to limit outdoor activities and use protective measures when necessary.
As meteorological conditions indicate a likelihood of further deterioration in air quality and visibility in the coming days, commuters and travelers are advised to plan accordingly and stay updated through official channels for any additional advisories or restrictions.
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