Hazardous Air Pollution in Kathmandu Valley Triggers Respiratory Alert

Air quality in Kathmandu plummeted to “Hazardous” levels today, with PM2.5 concentrations reaching 340 μg/m³ in Pulchowk and over 250 in New Baneshwar. Health experts have warned that these levels are many times higher than WHO guidelines and have advised residents, particularly children and the elderly, to stay indoors or wear N95 masks to avoid acute respiratory complications.