Smog-related incidents claim 15 lives across Punjab

LAHORE: At least 15 people have died in different smog-related incidents in Punjab as the polluted fog has also caused the spread of various diseases across the province, creating problems for citizens. 

Breathing issues, throat infections and pneumonia seems to have gripped citizens across Punjab as the dense fog continues to pose safety and health concerns. An increase in number of patients is being observed at hospitals, with particularly young and elderly people in majority among them.

As many as 1,200 patients have visited hospitals in the last twelve hours due to smog-related health issues and concerns. In Jinnah Hospital, 130 children and 30 senior citizens were brought to the hospital's emergency section.

Motorway closure

The motorway, leading from Pindi Bhattian to Faisalabad, has also been closed as the visibility came down to zero on Thursday night. Authorities have advised the masses to travel at low speed and use fog lamps to avoid any untoward incident.

Health advisory

Health experts have advised the people to avoid going out unnecessarily and recommended wearing masks and glasses while in open. It is further recommended that the heart patients should take steam regularly and avoid cold beverages.

'Rain expected' 

Meanwhile, Director General Pakistan Meteorological Department Dr. Ghulam Rasool informed that a weak rain system will be entering Pakistan, resulting in light rainfall in Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa and upper Punjab in next 24 hours, which will give a temporary relief to the citizens from smog.

Hospitals on alert

Advisor to Punjab CM on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said that if the smog situation persists, schools across Punjab can be closed.  Speaking at a press conference along with the committee members, he said that hospitals are on alert all across the province.