The air quality in several areas in Sri Lanka has reached extremely unhealthy levels as of 09.00 am today (08), the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) warned.
The foggy or misty conditions observed these days in several parts across the island are a result of air quality dropping to very unhealthy levels due to the increase in dust particles in the atmosphere, according to the NBRO.
The NBRO said that ‘magenta’ alerts have been issued to Battaramulla, Colombo, and Mannar, which have recorded 114 and 117, respectively in the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Air quality in Jaffna (81), Mullaitivu (80), Kegalle (87), and Dambulla (84) have reached unhealthy levels, with a ‘purple’ alert being issued by the NBRO.
Puttalam and Hambantota have been issued an ‘orange’ alert, which warns of unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, after recording 44 and 43 in the Air Quality Index.
Meanwhile, Nuwara Eliya recorded clean air at 25 in the Air Quality Index.
The NBRO says that polluted air from India has entered Sri Lanka’s air space through the winds and hence, the Northern part of Sri Lanka and certain other areas are currently facing a severe drop in air quality.
The public have been urged to wear face masks and stay indoors as much as possible.