The prevailing smoggy weather condition is likely to continue in the months of November and December with light and heavy waves across the province of Punjab, Chief Meteorologist Mohammad Riaz told APP, here on Friday.

However, the smoggy situation has currently reduced in intensity and its density has decreased especially during day times, he added.

"Complete eradication of smog depends on rain, which is not expected in the next few weeks," said Riaz.

Less than average rainfall is expected in the months of November and December; therefore, smog, fog and mist will remain prevalent and higher concentration of smog is expected in urban areas, he added.

The government of Punjab is considering a proposal to shut schools as smog has gripped parts of the province, igniting health fears and causing road accidents.

Health experts said that smog can cause eye and ear allergies, advising people to wash them with clean water several times daily.

According to the Provincial Monitoring Cell of Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), at least 17 people died in different smog-related incidents in Punjab on Friday, while the haze has resulted in outbreak of diseases in several cities of the province.

At least two people were killed and five others injured on Friday when two trucks collided near Harrappa, Sahiwal.

Motorway authorities have advised commuters to travel at low speed and use fog lamps to avoid accidents. It is also advised to travel in groups and maintain distance between cars.

The Met office has predicted light rains in some parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab during the next 24 hours, which will bring some temporary relief to people.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...