KATHMANDU, April 8: Kathmandu experienced high levels of air pollution on Tuesday. IQAir measured the pollution levels at 7 AM and ranked the city as the most polluted in the world.
Kathmandu recorded an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 262 on Tuesday, placing it in the “very unhealthy” category. Experts consider AQI levels up to 50 as healthy. The city's PM2.5 concentration currently exceeds the World Health Organization's recommended limit by 37.5 times.
Kathmandu tops the list of polluted cities in the world
As pollution levels surged, hospitals in Kathmandu reported a rise in the number of patients. Health experts urged the public to avoid outdoor exercise, wear masks, and keep windows shut. Pollution levels remain high in areas including Patan, Ratnapark, and Rabi Bhawan.
After Kathmandu, New Delhi in India ranked as the world's second most polluted city, while Hanoi in Vietnam secured third place. Lahore (Pakistan), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Wuhan (China), Jakarta (Indonesia), Yangon (Myanmar), Chengdu (China), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) followed, completing the top 10 list.