KATHMANDU: Air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley remains dangerously high, with meteorologists warning that the situation is unlikely to improve unless it rains.
Currently, the air quality index (AQI) of Kathmandu stands at 250, a hazardous level. On Wednesday, the AQI in Nepal peaked at 375, while Delhi, India, topped the global chart at an AQI of 309.
Meteorologists have stated that the air quality has slightly improved due to stronger winds since Friday. However, they caution that the pollution levels are expected to persist, as the valley has not experienced any rainfall, and no significant rain is expected in the immediate future.
The pollution has been particularly severe in Bhaktapur, where the AQI has surpassed 400, reaching 424 early in the morning. Other areas in the valley, including Kathmandu, are also experiencing unsafe air quality levels, with fluctuating AQI readings.
Without rain, experts predict that the ongoing pollution, which is harming public health across the region, will continue to affect residents in several areas, including Pokhara, Dang, Nepalgunj, and Biratnagar, among others.
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