Red Alert: Kathmandu Climbs to Second Most Polluted City on Earth

The air quality in Kathmandu has taken a concerning turn, with the city recently being ranked as the second most polluted city in the world. According to the latest data, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached a "very unhealthy" level of 216, placing it just behind Lahore, Pakistan. This sharp rise in pollution is largely due to a combination of dry weather, a lack of wind to clear the air, and local issues like vehicle exhaust, dust from construction, and smoke from forest fires.

Health experts are advising everyone to be extra careful while the air is this thick with smog. Since the air can cause breathing problems and irritate the eyes and throat, it is best to wear a mask when going outside and to avoid heavy exercise outdoors. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are the most at risk, so staying indoors as much as possible is highly recommended until the city receives some rain to help wash the pollutants away.