Satellite imagery from NASA Worldview has captured the alarming levels of thick, toxic smog that have enveloped eastern Pakistan and northern India since last month. The gray smog cloud stretches from Pakistan's Punjab province into India, covering cities like New Delhi and beyond.
The pollution has led authorities in Pakistan to close schools and public spaces due to the hazardous smog, which poses a severe threat to the health of millions of people in the region. Images from Lahore and Multan in Pakistan depict streets engulfed in a dark haze, obscuring buildings from view.
During winter, pollution in the area intensifies as a result of factors such as farmers burning agricultural waste, coal-fired power plants, traffic emissions, and stagnant weather conditions. The colder and drier air traps pollutants, worsening air quality compared to warmer seasons when pollutants are dispersed.
The air quality index in parts of Punjab has exceeded 1,000 multiple times in the past week, with readings above 300 considered hazardous. In Multan, the level of the dangerous pollutant PM2.5 was over 110 times higher than safe levels set by the World Health Organization.
PM2.5, when inhaled, can penetrate deep into lung tissue and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health issues including respiratory ailments, heart and lung diseases, cancer, and cognitive impairment in children. Hospitals in Pakistan are overwhelmed with patients suffering from pollution-related illnesses, with thousands seeking treatment for respiratory problems.
Authorities have implemented strict measures to combat the crisis, including the closure of schools, government offices, parks, and outdoor activities in severely affected districts. The restrictions aim to protect public health, especially vulnerable groups like children, who are at higher risk due to their developing bodies and immune systems.
Experts emphasize the urgent need for long-term solutions to address air pollution in the region. Climate change exacerbates the issue, with extreme heat and altered weather patterns contributing to the persistence of pollutants in the atmosphere. International cooperation and climate diplomacy are seen as crucial in tackling the global challenge of air pollution and its detrimental effects on public health.
Recent data highlights the alarming impact of air pollution on human health, with millions of deaths attributed to pollution-related illnesses annually. Urgent action is required to mitigate the health risks posed by air pollution and combat the escalating climate crisis.
