KATHMANDU: Rain and windstorms that occurred yesterday (Thursday evening) have slightly reduced air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley compared to previous days.
According to IQAir, a Switzerland-based organization that monitors real-time air quality worldwide, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the Kathmandu Valley was recorded at 86 at 6:30 am today. Earlier in the morning, the AQI had dropped to 34, which is considered good from a health perspective.
Yesterday, the level remained above 150, which indicates unhealthy air quality.
According to standards set by the World Health Organization, an AQI of up to 50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, and 201–300 very unhealthy. An AQI above 301 is considered hazardous.
Yesterday, light to moderate rainfall occurred in several areas of the central and eastern regions, including the Kathmandu Valley. The rainfall helped wash away dust particles accumulated in the atmosphere, while winds also contributed to dispersing pollutants, leading to a temporary improvement in air quality.
However, IQAir has predicted that air pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley may increase slightly again in the afternoon.
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