UPDATE: Dense fog has enveloped Delhi-NCR, causing near-zero visibility and significant disruption to flight operations early Monday morning, December 15, 2023. Residents awoke to hazardous conditions as visibility dropped dramatically, prompting officials to issue an orange alert.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that fog levels are worsening, urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid travel during the early hours. As the dense fog settled over the region, visibility plummeted, creating dangerous situations on the roads and at airports.
Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport faced severe disruptions, with multiple delays and cancellations reported. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Adding to the alarm, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has escalated to the ‘severe plus’ category, with readings surpassing 450 early Monday morning. In some areas, such as Ashok Vihar, the AQI reached a staggering 500, indicating extremely poor air quality that poses serious health risks.
The IMD has warned that the fog is expected to persist throughout the day, raising concerns for public safety and health. The combination of fog and high pollution levels creates a dangerous environment for residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve. For now, those in the region are advised to stay indoors, especially during early morning hours when visibility is at its lowest.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates on the situation in Delhi-NCR as officials continue to assess and respond to the impact of this severe weather event.
