Smog has covered New Delhi, India, leading to warnings that even healthy locals may suffer from respiratory issues. Pollution levels have hit some 35 times the recommended safe limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).
New Delhi usually ranks as one of the world’s most polluted cities as it is, but on Monday morning things spiraled out of control. The situation was worsened by smoke from firecrackers used to celebrate the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, plus the burning of crops in the region.
“Last night, levels hit the severe category, which is the worst. You could see and sense how the visibility had come down and there was a choking haze all around,” said Anumita Roychowdhury from the Centre for Science and Environment, as cited by Reuters.