Long Bien Bridge shrouded in haze as heavy pollution lingers over Hanoi (Photo by Manh Quan)
IQAir data showed Hanoi ranked as the world’s ninth most polluted city on Tuesday morning, with an AQI reading of 199.
The Environment Department’s monitoring system reported an AQI of 204 at 7 am at the station near Hanoi University of Science and Technology on Giai Phong Street, a level classified as very unhealthy. By 11.30 am, readings there had eased to 163.
At the 556 Nguyen Van Cu station, AQI levels hovered around 190 before dawn and fell to 145 by midday. At the Khuat Duy Tien station, readings stayed near 150 from early morning through noon.
A thick haze covered Long Bien Bridge as heavy pollution lingered across Hanoi.
By 11.30 am, Hanoi had slipped to eleventh place globally, with its AQI easing to 177, an unhealthy red level.
The Environment Department warned that pollution at these levels may cause health problems for sensitive groups, though the impact on the general population is expected to be limited.
In Thai Binh Ward of Hung Yen Province, air quality was also severely degraded, with an AQI of 246 at 8 am, a purple category level considered highly hazardous.
The department forecast that on December 10, air quality in Hung Yen, Ninh Binh and Haiphong could reach very unhealthy levels, while Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh and Phu Tho may face unhealthy conditions.
Hanoi authorities advised residents experiencing eye irritation, coughing or sore throat to limit outdoor activity. Children may still participate in outdoor activities but should avoid prolonged exercise.
