Islamabad (Web Desk): Smog is expected to persist in urban centers across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) — including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Bahawalpur, Peshawar, Mardan, and Nowshera — throughout November and December, due to a combination of high humidity, stagnant air, and pressure systems in the upper atmosphere.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an advisory on Tuesday urging residents to take necessary precautions in light of worsening air quality.
The advisory highlights how current weather patterns are contributing to increased smog levels, and calls for the public to limit outdoor exposure and adopt protective measures to safeguard their health.
The advisory also mentioned that the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) has been actively monitoring the situation using advanced ground-based and satellite monitoring tools.
These technologies allow authorities to track pollution emissions from multiple sources, such as industry, transportation, and agricultural activities. One major contributor to the pollution is stubble burning, along with other pollutants like volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, surface-level ozone, and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5).
By analyzing aerosol optical depth data, the NEOC team is identifying areas most affected by smog and pinpointing pollution hotspots.
To help reduce the impact of smog, the NDMA recommended several measures, including:
* Avoiding outdoor activities during peak smog periods, particularly in the mornings.
* Wearing masks to protect against inhaling harmful pollutants.
* Staying hydrated to mitigate the effects of polluted air.
* Using dehumidifiers and air purifiers indoors to improve air quality.
* Opting for eco-friendly transportation, such as carpooling or driving vehicles equipped with COx and NOx filters, to reduce emissions.
The NDMA emphasized the importance of staying informed and following local health advisories to protect public health as smog conditions persist in the coming weeks.