India: Air quality in Delhi worsens as heatwave continues

Event

The air quality in the National Capital Territory of Delhi had worsened to "severe" on the morning of Wednesday, June 13 (local time), as a heatwave continues in the region. Hazy conditions are expected to persist in Delhi and surrounding areas in the coming hours and days as hot weather is forecast to continue.

Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) named Delhi as the world's most polluted city in 2018. New Delhi faced its worst air pollution crisis in decades in 2016, when approximately 1 million children were required to stay home from school and thousands of people were hospitalized for respiratory illnesses.

India has faced criticism for high levels of air pollution in both urban centers and rural areas due to crop burning, vehicle and industrial emissions, dust from construction, and open fires. While some cities, including New Delhi, have installed air quality monitoring systems in recent years, 47 percent of the total population live in unmonitored areas.

Advice

Individuals present in Delhi are advised to monitor the air quality situation, and to limit outdoor activity and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities during periods of particularly high pollution. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if experiencing breathing difficulties.

As the heatwave continues in the area, individuals are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, avoid all strenuous outdoor activity, remain indoors as much as possible between 12:00 and 16:00 when temperatures tend to peak, remain well hydrated (with sugar-free, non-alcoholic beverages), and wear loose, light-colored clothing. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if displaying symptoms of heatstroke.