Kathmandu. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has warned that the air pollution that has been increasing in the Kathmandu Valley for the past few days will continue for at least another week.
The authority has stated that as the air pollution quality unit AIQ has reached a very unhealthy level, physical and mental problems including respiratory problems, asthma, lung infections, dry cough, itchy throat, burning eyes, dry skin, itchy skin, allergies and irritation, headaches and fatigue are increasing.
Health experts have suggested taking adequate precautions to avoid air pollution. They have been requested to not leave the house except for essential work, to do physical exercise indoors, to use public transport as much as possible if they have to go to the office or market, to wear a mask when going out, to take medicine after consulting a doctor if they have eye irritation, to drink enough water, and to cooperate in controlling any activity that spreads pollution.
The authority has also requested the relevant bodies to take necessary steps to prevent air pollution and protect vulnerable groups from potential impacts.
Since last Sunday, forest fires have started breaking out one after another in forests across the country. Fires have also been seen in forests around the Kathmandu Valley. The fire outbreak is most severe in 43 districts including Parsa, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Bara, Udayapur, which are located at the foot of Chure. According to the NEA, fires broke out in 253 places in the country last Wednesday alone. One person has died in Panchthar.
Environmental experts say that this situation is likely to continue until the month of Jestha as air pollution will not be controlled until the fires are controlled.
